Meet The Writers (NEW!)

 

AARON GRISSOM

I began writing as a child inspired by science fiction and super heroes. Trying to voice bigger than life concepts that I could not put into words. Mimicry of Encyclopedia Brown stories and cartoons. As I got older I learned to solidify more original ideas. Ideas that were more my own. I believe that everyone who is called to write has something from their soul that needs to be expressed. Something that is uniquely their’s and that is what writing is. Something that you make your own. Something that is a little bit of you to share with everyone else. Because I think at the bottom of it all, writing is about being understood.

 

ANN BRUCE

When you ask Ann Bruce what she does for a living, she responds, “I’m a wife and mom.”   She is not bashful or shy, that’s just the title she prefers.  If you have attended one of her personal development seminars at fortune 500 companies such as Xerox, The Prudential, IBM, Hewlett Packard etc., you know she is skilled in the art of helping people accomplish their personal and professional goals.  If you have heard her speak at women’s events around the country, you know Ann is the sister you call when trouble’s threatening.  She will pray with you, bring clarity through the Word and help you develop a game plan.  If you have attended her plays or her marriage one-on-one coaching sessions, you know Ann has a knack for getting to the heart of the matter.  She can be trusted to guide you through the Word that your heart might be more yielded to God and His desire to transform you through your circumstances.   Ann has worked as a writer, director and producer for programs appearing on FOX, Fit TV and PBS.

When confronted with her credentials she responds, “Like I said, I am a stay at home wife and mom.   My job is to cook…combine the ingredients of life to make a feast, clean…get the cobwebs out of the heart and mind, and make peace…facilitate trust upon the Almighty.  Through Him old things are made new.  There is no problem too complicated for God.  He has done and will do great things though us.”  Perhaps when asked what she does for a living, Ann should just respond, I do Titus II and Proverbs 31.

Ann is negotiating a national tour for her live theatrical production, The Talk.  Her work will appear in Mosaic Cross, a WITS anthology due June 2012.  In fall, 2012 Ann will publish her most recent book, Woman Company.   She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband William W. Bruce, Jr. and their son William Andrew.  Her daughter Julia lives in California with husband Terry Whitaker, Jr.

Visit Ann at m-annbruce.com.

 

ANNE MITCHELL

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Anne found her way to New York City after college and spent the better part of her career in the fashion business, where she was able to travel the world tracking trends for major retailers. In her writing, she combines her love of fashion, food and travel into a delicious concoction. Anne lives vicariously through her two amazing teenage daughters, who help keep her current on trends and make her the proudest Mom on the planet.  When she isn’t writing, she is cooking, taking care of her French bulldog, Buster, greeting at the Providence campus of Elevation Church, loving life and God’s many blessings every day. You can follow Anne on Twitter @trendbytes and her blog at trendbytes.

 

BEVERLY BROWN

Beverly Brown balances being a wife and mom with fast-paced full-time work in high-tech public relations. Her professional life includes five years running amusement park rides, eight years as a newspaper reporter and almost two decades in PR. Faith and a supportive husband keep this Charlotte native grounded. Women friends inspire her to pursue God’s best for her. A fitness enthusiast and wannabe blogger, she lives in Raleigh with her husband and son.

 

 

 

 

BRANDON MCKESSON (NEW!)

 

CAMERON H. PARKER (NEW!)

Originally from Columbus, OH, Cameron is a man of God, husband, father, poet, and soon to be author of 2 books (Flowing From my Heart and 31 Days of Biblical Wisdom).  Cameron is also a professional basketball coach, having coached internationally in Muharraq, Bahrain and is the founder of Parker Athletics; a Christian based organization that specializes in individual/camp sports specific training and program development.

When asked what your goals are for writing or Parker Athletics, Cameron responds, “I just want to be able to use the gifts and experiences that God has blessed me with to be a blessing to others.  We are all blessed to be a blessing.”

Along with his exceptionally wonderful and beautiful wife, Candace, Cameron resides in South Carolina with their 3 phenomenal children:  Caden, Camille, and Carmen.

Contact Cameron on Twitter: @ParkerAthletix or on his blog:  http://fromtheword2theweb.blogspot.com

 

CAROLINE D. GREEN

I have been drawn to writing ever since I was a very young girl.  My childhood dream was to write comedy skits for Saturday Night Live.  I grew up in the era of the Variety shows such as The Carol Burnette Show, Sonny and Cher, and Hee Haw.  I have enjoyed comedy television and movies all my life. I enjoy sharing laughter with others.  Laughter always replaces pain and hurt.  The scripture in Proverbs 17:22 states that a “merry heart does good like a medicine” and this has always kept me going along with my gift to see the humor in life.  My creativity lies in my ability to come up with great subject matters, story ideas, and topics.  I like to encourage, inspire, provoke thought, and motivate others allowing God to use me to help people be set free from a broken heart or wrong thinking (captivity).  I’ve been set free so I always want that for others.  Writing and/or blogging for On A Positive Note and Writers In The Spirit provides a platform for me to share wisdom, knowledge, insight, and encouragement that has been shared with me. Visit Caroline at carolinedgreen.com

 

CAROLYN MANCE

God placed me in the middle of an epic drama at birth. What could have been a rather typical life, He interrupted at a very young age and I felt Him say: “Keep your eyes on me”.” Over the years I’ve experienced the funny, the adventurous, the heartbreaking and the profound, sharing them with friends and family. I consider myself a storyteller not a writer, as God is truly the author of my life.  Because of His love, I get to play the best roles! Not the most popular, wealthy, or powerful, but the truly rich ones.
I have many characters that make up my story, the central figures in my life are my husband of twenty-five years, a man who loves Jesus; and my daughter whose heart, mind, soul and smile, render me speechless!  She’s a miracle, the reason I have a story to tell and I love watching hers unfold before my eyes. So with coffee in hand, words in my heart and a ministry underway, I boldly move forward, passionately telling others He has an epic story to tell through their lives as well. Should you find yourself at Elevation Church (Blakeney campus) my family serves at the VIP tent, stop by we’d love to welcome you. Contact Carolyn: carolynmance.com.

 

CHRIS BEE

Chris is a father of two great kids, an entrepreneur looking for a cause, and an adventurer at heart always looking for the less traveled path.  He has learned that it is very important to slow down enough to catch a glimpse of the story we are in, always developing around us, so that we can capture the treasure in the moments.  His hope is that in telling his story well, the reader might see clearer and deeper into their own story and find moments of discovery that leads to life with meaning.

 

 

 

 

 

CRYSTAL GREEN

Originally from Ohio, I moved to Charlotte five years ago to accept a position as an Associate Professor of Fashion at the Art Institute of Charlotte, but my passion is writing and career coaching. Writing is my therapy; I eat, breath, and even sleep the written word. God has blessed me to find an outlet for both passions through my business Dr. Cris, The Dream Life Doctor where I blog on career, lifestyle, spiritual, and education tips in addition to providing clients with career and life coaching. Visit my website at AskDrCris.com.

 

 

FRITZ GLAUS

An autobiography of Fritz’s life, Love Game, has been published. Written with Mike Yorkey, one of the top Christian sports authors in America, Love Game includes Fritz’s twelve fascinating years as a tennis chaplain on the Men’s Professional Tennis Circuit. His remarkable story includes the details of his commitment to Jesus Christ as a young man, and follows him to some of the most exotic locations in the world where he taught as a tennis pro, met with world celebrities, and ministered Christ to those called to salvation by God.

Fritz also enjoys the distinction of being the first member of WITS. He resides in Charlotte, NC with his beautiful wife, Robin, and their two handsome sons.

Check out excerpts of Love Game with Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Stan Smith and more at lovegamebook.com.

 

GARY KADARONAK

 

 

 

 

 

 

HEATHER PORAZZO

 

JOHN SIKES

John Sikes lives in Matthews, North Carolina with his amazing wife of 11 years Kate and two wonderful children: Hurricane Hope and Joyful Joshua (our special gift from God).  For the past 15 years, he has edited Championship Performance, a leadership and sport psychology journal for coaches.  Since coming to Elevation Church in 2011, he has seen God move in miraculous ways – both corporately and individually.  Through the Screenwriters E-group, his audacious prayer of faith is to write or contribute to scripts that will one day get made into movies that impact the world for Christ.  His other interests include weekend trips to the mountains, Florida Gators football, classic rock, especially U2, and freshly brewed sweet tea.

KATHRYN ZURAWSKI (NEW!)

Born in upstate New York, lived half her life in the North, and half in the South, until 1974 when she married her husband David and consequently Uncle Sam as well.

Kat, as her friends called her, (from birth almost), got the opportunity to see the world! Or at least Europe. She took her then eight month old daughter Jennifer to Germany, where they spent the next six years. Her son Lance was born there and enjoyed duel citizenship until eighteen, when he thankfully chose to be American.

During the six year sojourn in Germany, they visited Italy, Spain, England, (during Charles and Diana’s big day), Scotland, and Wales, as well as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Then, they were catapulted back to the States, where they learned their next base would be in California.  They had the rare opportunity to camp all across the US and because they went via Interstate 40, they got to visit many landmark tourist sights: like, Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Yellowstone Nat. Park, and several other neat sights.

Writing “Flight of the Dracans” came from a sojourn in an old English pub during a particularly nasty rain storm. They were allowed down stairs where some ancient men had gathered to tell stories, in the warm glow of a huge fireplace, safe and warm from the raging storm outside.  Kat sat enrapt in the stories, translated by the ones who spoke American.

“I wrote this story as entertainment for the kids in the beginning,” says Kat, “never thinking that it would ever go anywhere.  Now, perhaps, that is about to change.  Wish me luck!”

 

KEKYA DAVIS-ADAMS (NEW!)

I would describe myself as a rose that grew from concrete. Born in the Bronx, NY to a great mother and awesome father. Mom was as good as mothers come but dad was my world. My day began and ended with him. He literally gave me the shirt off of his back on an almost daily basis (to rub as I sucked my thumb).

My dad passed away when I was eight years old. My adolescent mind could not grasp that I would never talk to my dad again so I continued to talk to him for quite a while. When mom would ask who I was talking to, I’d say “daddy”. It may have seemed weird to others but it was therapeutic for me. As time went on I stopped talking and picked up a pencil.

Out of tragedy came something wonderful. I discovered a love for writing. It couldn’t replace my dad but it kept me occupied and made way for healing. I would spend hours in my room writing short stories and creating a world all my own. A world where fathers are not murdered and daughters are not left broken-hearted.

Today I live in Charlotte, NC and enjoy attending Elevation Church. My husband and I moved to Charlotte to live closer to his family. I work full time and study at Monroe College full time.  I will graduate with a Health Services Administration Bachelor’s Degree in 2015 and plan to get a Masters in the same. I received a Business Administration Specialist Certificate from CPCC in May, 2013. I have fulfilled my life-long dream of becoming a published author with the “Mosaic Cross” in 2012 and had the pleasure of sharing my dedication (in the book) with my grandfather two weeks before he went on.

Not bad for a girl born and raised in the concrete jungle.

 

KIM BROWNLEE

I’m Kim. I have always loved to write. As a kid, I kept a journal and played around with poetry and silly stories. As I grew older, I tried many things trying to find my niche. I tried singing until spinal surgery ruined my vocal cords and I can no longer hit the notes I’m aiming for. I tried songwriting, but, well, I can’t sing anymore and being a Brownlee, I just wanted to do them myself. I tried acting, but I was never tall enough, never thin enough, never “Hollywood” enough. I tried writing screenplays but after having one stolen, I started hoarding them in my closet. So I find myself a singer who can’t sing, an actress who can no longer audition for the heroine but must settle for the heroine’s mother, a screenwriter without a film and a writer without a book — wait, I’m doing this. Because I believe that I can use the mistakes of my past to encourage others to see it is possible to survive it if they just persevere. So here I am; alive at last.

 

LAURA WELLS

I’m a country girl, born and raised in Southwestern Louisiana. Mother of the most beautiful person I know, Courtney Wells, who not only inspires and challenges me, but absolutely keeps me grounded.  If it wasn’t for my most Godly heartfelt daughter I would not be the person I am. A lover of Christ, I follow Him in anticipation in all He wants for me. Spend my weekends serving the Lord as a hardcore Elevator. Saturday evenings I’m a bull pen member praising and lifting up Pastor Furtick. Every other Sunday on worship door as an audacious greeter. Loving my new life in Christ because of Elevation Church and its leadership and body of followers. Learning to step out in faith and realizing we can do anything through Christ when our hearts and minds line up with what He wants for us. This is why I want to become a writer. To communicate His will and His desire to grow us up as leaders for His Kingdom. LauraDayWells.com

 

LAWRENCE OTAROLA

Originally from Costa Rica, Lawrence Otarola is a speaker, writer, and motivator, currently writing for Focus On The Family.  He resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Xinia, and together they reach married couples with their marriage ministry program which includes their book, cd and dvd set, “Matrimonio, la Empresa de la Vida”. Lawrence is president of the Center for Leadership and Family Development, a nonprofit organization that provides a platform to reach thousands of people through marriage conferences, TV, radio, and online all over the Spanish-speaking world. He has also published “La Otra Cara de Jesús”, which translated in English means “The Other Side Of Jesus”.

 

LISA RUZYLO

Mother of two. Wife of one  Been described by more than a few as “quirky” & “just different” … a “livewire”, colorfully (& sometimes a little off so ) open, radically funny, and A faithful believer of and in God’s infinitesimal Possibilities of Miracles that are, through the more excellent choice of His Son and that path of guidance…THE Livewire of Lives.

 

 

MARGARET MONTREUIL

I’m from Minneapolis and have lived in Charlotte for six years; I’m glad God brought me to this amazing church. One of the things I love about Elevation is that each one of us is being called upon to celebrate our creative gifts. In light of that, I joined WITS because my happy-thing is writing. Four books on the market so far. I am in love with words and the Word of God. Really, the centerpiece of all my writing, whether a devotional book, poem, Internet blog post, or article—is about one thing and one thing only: Jesus. Beautiful, wonderful, stunningly good, Jesus.

I accepted a Divine invitation to write for the Kingdom while on a personal prayer retreat way back in 1991. My greatest desire from then on became a passion to write about Jesus–that humble Man who dazzled the world he lived in by simply being himself. God-with-us. I love contemplating the humanity of Jesus and my greatest joy is to tell others what I see. The result has been two biblical novels and two devotionals on his life. I admit I’ve fleshed out stories that look nothing like the Jesus portrayed in stained glass windows. He’s way too relevant for that. He’s an in-your-face, terribly humorous, wild, unpredictable, fierce and gentle, undeniably present person. The Jesus I’ve seen is not into religion or anything like it. He’s an unstoppable force of unleashed love. And he is with us all the time. I think I write because I wish everyone could see Jesus and appreciate his personality, and realize the extravagance he lavishes on us every single day. What an astounding thing it is that we can know the real Jesus of the Gospels just as we can know the real Jesus of our everyday comings and goings. I am convinced that God wants nothing more than to be intimately known by each one of us. My words of commission from God over twenty years ago were: “Show off Jesus, my Son.” I’m still at it. My latest book, published in 2010, His Kingdom Come is a biblical, historical novel about the pivotal days when Jesus conferred his Kingdom into the hands of ordinary men and women. People just like us. Have you ever wondered about …. What was it like for Jesus’ friends and followers who walked beside him to suddenly walk with him inside of them, like we must do? Here’s another thought: When John rested his head on Jesus’ chest, did he do the same “in the spirit” later on? What was it like for Jesus during the days he walked the earth with us? Does he meet us now in our imaginations, since he created them possibly for that main reason. Can we experience real God-encounters when we sit at his feet and pray? I cannot think of anything better to think about and get creative about. And, so I write to my heart’s desire.

You can receive email notifications of the blogs I write at: margaretmontreuil.com

To hear a sample of the dramatic audio book of the novel, God in Sandals: When Jesus Walked Among Us, go to: http://christianaudio.com/god-in-sandals-margaret-montreuil

For a turn-the-page sample of the latest novel His Kingdom Come (about the birth of the church in Jerusalem), go to: http://www.freado.com/book/9056/his-kingdom-come-a-novel

Happy reading is to dive headlong into a transcendent experience — and I cannot think of a better ocean than the love of Jesus.

 

MATT KRASNOFF

By day, I am Matt. At lunch, I am Kras. In the evening, I am Daddy. And late at night, I am a writer in the spirit. I’ve finished 2 written screenplays and a short story called, “The Day’s End”. I am also involved in a current co-authoring epic novel project with Aaron Grissom and a Christian based production that is in its early stages of scripting with Elevation’s Screenwriters Unite egroup. I have professionally written for off-broadway, love to critique movies and enjoy brainstorming creative ideas.  I am also blessed with my wife, Alex, who has introduced me to Elevation and real Christianity. I am also gifted the honor of fathering my beautiful daughter Leighton. But all credit ALWAYS goes to my God, my Father and Christ for allowing me to be strong in my relationship as imperfect as I am.

 

MICHELLE ALANIS

Michelle Alanis is a freelance writer.  Some of her professional writing includes ghost writing for several clients.  She will complete her master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University in Spring 2013. Michelle is currently working on several projects.  Her poem about child abuse is on schedule to be illustrated and released by summer 2014.  Her debut novel is expected to be released next summer as well. MichelleAlanis.com

 

 

 

NICKI KOZIARZ

Nicki Koziarz is a wife, mom, speaker and writer whose focus is all the same … just Jesus. She blogs at NickiKoziarz.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RACHAEL BLESS

Homeschool mother of 3 beautiful girls and one brilliant boy. Ironically enough, for now, I also drive a school bus. Married for 13 years and many more years to come. Aspiring internet entrepreneur of Applemama. The Bless family 6 live in rural Pennsylvania right outside Penn State. We own 22 chickens, 3 cats (1 more foster cat), a mouse, goldfish, and 2 bunnies. Our little homestead is not fancy at all, but it makes us happy. My husband and I are workers in the children’s ministry at our church. We love the Lord and strive to glorify Him. I have always loved writing and have a large collection of poems, and my Mosaic Cross submission  is my first attempt at a story. Hope you like it. Applemama.

 

ROBERT G. STEVENS

Originally from Cape Cod, Rob recently moved to Charlotte, NC.  He came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior through his father’s struggle with terminal cancer during 2005 and 2006.  It was a seven-month journey filled with blessings and renewal of faith that lead Rob to write his poem (“A Journey”) describing his father and family’s faith experience. Rob is happy to call Charlotte home now and continues to tell people about the faith journey that his family is on and the story behind their testimony. He is currently working for a leading computer security company and has been involved in sales and consulting for the past 15 years.  During that time he has traveled to many locations for business and has experienced living on both the East and West Coasts.  Outside of work, reading and writing, he enjoys the outdoors, running, biking, swimming, and other athletic activities.  Rob connected early on in his faith walk with this scripture from Romans 12:2- “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”   As Rob puts it- “we are all a living sacrifice and it’s through our daily renewal that we find strength in the Lord to accomplish the things we could have never imagined.” Rob is exploring writing more as a new member of Writers In The Spirit and feels blessed to be attending Elevation Church, as well as volunteering with the Elevation VIP team.

 

RONALD JUDSON

Ronald Judson graduated high school in Syracuse New York as the country declared war on God by throwing prayer and Bible reading out of school. I am a blessed man married to a Godly wife for almost 35 years. I am a lover of Jesus, my Savior. I am a father, a grandfather, retired electrical construction project manager, poet, and beachcomber. I attend Elevation Church where I am blessed to witness the Holy Spirit moving in people’s lives on a weekly basis filling people far from God with life in Christ.

 

 

SANCHEZ CRENSHAW

To Thine Ownself be True, the words of William Shakespeare. As I ponder those words I ask the questions; what is my true nature, my true character, my true self. And as I look deeper into the answers, the following continues to come to mind. You are a Writer and you are a Poet. I believe God placed me in a time such as this to use my words to inspire, to heal and to provoke thought. I believe words are the most powerful weapon that can be used against someone. A single word has the power to make someone believe that they can accomplish any dream and any goal; a single word also has the power to make someone believe that they will never amount to anything and never accomplish anything in life. Please join me as we take a journey of words.

 

SANDRA L. PHILLIPS

I’ve always had a love for words and devoured books as a young child. In my teen years I was introduced to creative writing and discovered a love of poetry. Writing is a gift from God that I treasure and is a wonderful outlet as well . I desire to share life lessons with others through my writing. SandraLPhillips.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANDRA T. HUERTA

Sandra received the 50 Most Influential Women award in 2011. Through public speaking with efforts to provide hope and encouragement to bereaved parents and siblings suffering the death of a loved one, Sandra endeavors to bring awareness to local communities about the aftermath of a tragedy, such as the homicide of a child. Tragedy devastated her and her family with the homicide of her 21-year old son and through the frustrating and painful experience during the criminal trial, she found herself compelled to help other victims needing a linguistic resource. She is currently writing a book and  travels all over the state sharing her story and sending a message of grief, hope, love, and survival. Sandra4G

 

THERESA STEPHENSON

I have been a member of Elevation church for about a year. One of the things that drove me to this church was the E groups. In big churches you can’t meet a lot of people and that is why the E groups are so important. I found the Writers in the Spirit group and thought this would suit me.

A little about my writing experience, none. I have always wanted to be a writer and have written some poems and ideas down in diaries. I find it difficult to put words on paper in a coherent thought.  I can come up with the idea and sometimes can picture where the story is going.  Writing dialogue to me is the most difficult part of it. In the past I would write dialogue that had no punch to it. I also realize most books you read are the character’s thoughts.  A few months ago I submitted some poetry to the group, which was the first time anybody has seen my work. I had never thought it was good enough for anyone to read. I am hoping that once I get some ideas down that I can finally get some of my stories told.

I don’t know if any my ideas are readable but at this point I just want to finish something. I consider myself a creative person with a big imagination. I used to write down plot summaries for movies on 3×5 note cards. The reason I mention this is I think it is a good way to organize your thoughts. I know I will be using it again. I find myself not being able to write freely like I can on paper.

I am originally from South Dakota. Before I moved here I lived in Mississippi, near Biloxi, from 1997 to 2006. I guess you could say I am a native of South Dakota. I figured out that I had lived in 8 different towns in S.D., one in Wyoming, one in Colorado, and 3 in Nebraska. I went to 5 different schools from 7th grade to my senior year. You could see how hard it was to get to know someone in that situation. For a long time I was shy but no one believes me and I think I have gone in triple over load to overcome my beginnings.

What kinds of stories grab me? I used to like to read science fiction (mainly Star Wars), and suspense. I am trying to read again by reading Hunter S. Thompson Rum Diaries. If you don’t know him, Johnny Depp played him in two movies, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Rum Diaries. He was a reporter and novelist who wrote in a bizarre way and was very liberal.

My main stories I read don’t have a theme but I guess you could say a southern feel to them.  All these stories take place in small southern towns filled with colorful characters and stories about loss and starting over.  My very favorite author wrote a series of books called Big Stone Gap.  Adriana Trigani wrote for Hollywood and then wrote novels.  The stories take place in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The story is totally fictional but is a very good read. I feel the author makes you feel like you are there and someday I plan on visiting this area.  I don’t know about you but I want people to be engaged into my stories and have this feeling. I think if you write, draw, paint etc you want to be able to connect to that person. In the long run writers, artist, performers are trying to connect to total strangers in a way their own friends and families may not. If I ever do get published and I only reach one person it is worth it.

 

TRACEY WILLIAMS

I am … A lover of all things furry, fluffy, big-eared, wet-tongued, and waggy-tailed; inspired by books; someone who wishes they were more creative; aspiring to engage my passion for reading and writing; searching for serenity on a daily basis; seeking spiritual awakenings through growth and faith. I was an English Major at a small Liberal Arts college in PA and dreamed of getting into the publishing world in NYC when I graduated. After an insightful internship at a large publishing house in Manhattan, I realized that it wasn’t going to work out for various reasons, so I got into the insurance industry (I will NOT bore you with those details). I continue my passion for reading and writing in my spare time today. I moved to Charlotte from Connecticut in June 2011 and started going to Elevation Blakeney right around the same time. My transition here has been strangely smooth and natural, and I can only attribute that to God guiding me on the right path. I am excited and inspired to be apart of WITS and hope to speak to a few of you through my writing. Tracey’s Truth

 

TRAVIS DICKERSON

Looking for a healthy place to practice my listening and writing ability. Currently working as an intern at NVATE Magazine. I never thought of journalism as a career, but it has been an eye opening experience.

 

 

 

 

 

WAYNE COSTER COOPER

One Sunday I was sitting in the dark inside the Providence High School Auditorium—minding my own business—successfully maintaining the low profile I had adopted ever since my teen children directed our family to attend Elevation Church. I enjoyed being uninvolved. It was comfortable.  Pastor Steven Furtick was talking about the importance of participating in the Elevation church life and suddenly I realized, looking up at the big screen, that his eyes were focused entirely on me.  He talked to me about eGroups and I silently agreed to participate in one as soon as I cleared a couple matters up. He told me there would never be a perfect time to get involved—there would always be something—now was the time. What could I do?  I made a silent commitment to him. OK, maybe a writing group would be good, I thought. After that service on the way to the car, my daughter, Faith, said, “Dad, you should think about starting a writing group.” I took her comment as a confirmation.

WritersInTheSpirit started off a little slow. Our first member, Fritz Glaus, wasn’t even a writer. (Last August, Fritz launched his memoir, Love Game, at the US Tennis Open in New York) Entering our third year, WITS currently has 40+ members—some established authors—some aspiring writers—33 of which have contributed to our recently published book, Mosaic Cross.

Wayne Coster Cooper writes for newspapers and magazines in the US and UK. He is the publisher and executive editor of the NCCA’s award-winning news magazine Collegiate Standard and author of the recently published book, Mom-In Honor Of Good Mothers.

 

YVETTE CLARK

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Yvette will be the first to admit that she doesn’t like living in New York, and never really did.  I just never really fit in that fast paced life.

From a child Yvette started writing.  “Words create”, she says. “Where some people write words that people read or hear, I write words that people see. I write to create a picture in your mind and take you on a journey.  I always want my writings to be full of life.

Writing has always come easy to me.  I only write when it flows.  That is when it is at its best.  I have tried to force it, but that never works for me.  The creativity gets lost and I always end up throwing it out.  It has no life.  When I am writing in the Spirit, I always submit the writing to the Holy Spirit and His message to the Body.

I have been doing ministry for many years.  Once in a more organized environment where I had a Women’s Ministry in a church for a few years.  Later, God just uses me as He will and it works for both of us.  I have spoken at different groups

Last year I started a blog www.exhortationcorner.com at the leading of the Holy Spirit.  I consider this to be one of my greatest accomplishments – up there with raising my handsome sons and giving my life to Christ Jesus.  God uses me in such a great ministry of loving people and being allowed the opportunity to be a vessel for Him to show His love and care for them.  I am most honored that He invites me always to be a vessel of honor to the Body through His loving spirit.

As my nest is empty now, and I am in a place of discovering and learning me – I travel this road of maturity with grace and laughter, peace and balance to fully live the life Christ died that I might have – the Abundant Life.

I am excited about this journey, and pleased to share it with all who would take it with me – to see the path my writing will take, and watch as God continues to draw me closer to Him.

 

YVETTE GAHAN