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out of box t-shirt
When Cec saw this T-shirt on Marsha Hubler (the director of the Montrose Christian Writers Conference), he commented on how funny it was and how much he liked it. She gave it to him. He enjoys displaying its silly message: How can I think outside the box when they won't even let me out of it?

Cec with Susan Scheer
Susan Scheer was an early recipient of a full scholarship from Cec to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. He hadn't seen her in twelve years.
Cec's Podcast Interview with Jayme Hull
Cec recently had the opportunity to do a podcast interview with Jayme Hull on her Face-to-Face Mentoring show. He truly enjoyed it. If you'd like to hear what he has to say about knowing God and sharing your stories, click on the picture above.
The Inner Critic
All of us have an accusing voice—a nagging, troublesome conscience or tormenting memories. As one friend said, “We know the voice and it’s with us every day. That inner censor makes its presence known repeatedly—especially when we’re in a low spot.”
Too often we listen and sink even lower, thereby endowing that detractor with the power to steal our joy and rob us of peace. Our self-faultfinder thrives in our tender places—those vulnerable spots and uncertainties. It’s where we store our shame and embarrassments.
In recent years, I’ve learned to rise above that condemnation.  
First, I talk to the judgmental voice. Instead of fighting it, I say, “Yes, I failed to . . .” or “I’m still embarrassed over . . .”
Second, I remind myself that God forgives me, no matter what I’ve done (or didn’t do). I say, “God has forgiven me, so you don’t have to keep tormenting me.” Then I add, “Besides that, I forgive Cec.”
Third, I say to my inner critic, “Thank you for reminding me and, with God’s help, I won’t fail in that area again.”
Recently, I spoke harshly to a friend and immediately apologized. That sneaky voice whispered, “You failed at this before. Remember?”
I laughed and said, “I distinctly remember forgetting. Besides, Psalm 103:12 reads, ‘As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.’ That means it’s gone and you can’t bring it up again.”
I honestly do it that way. Maybe it won’t work for you, but it might be worth trying.
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Personal News

  • An elder at the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Forest Park, GA, invited me to preach on October 1. After I arrived, he asked, “Could you come back next Sunday?” I did and that continued through four Sundays. It’s a small congregation, filled with warm, caring people. Their choir of about ten members mesmerized me with their enthusiasm and quality.

  • By the time you read this, I’ll be in Egypt—and I plan to enjoy every moment.

  • Two of my already-written books haven’t come out, but the publisher told me that More Than Surviving will release March 28. The other book will also come out in 2018, but no date yet.

  • I’m mentoring a few writers, trying to pass on what I’ve learned about this profession. It’s exciting to me to see their growth and to reach the place where I can say to them, “You know enough. You no longer need me.”

  • Beyond that, I’m not working much. I’m still a panelist for a writers’ loop: TheWritersView@Yahoogroups.com. I continue to write two weekly blogs. 
The Twila Zone--
Words from My Assistant, Twila Belk
Sometimes life is complicated, challenging, and full of unknowns. And sometimes God gives us lots of opportunities to live out the messages we preach. That's where he has me right now. The title of my upcoming book is The Power to Be: Be Still, Be Grateful, Be Strong, Be Courageous, and I keep reminding myself of what I've written. I took my husband to the hospital on October 20. After eight days there, they transferred him to an acute care rehab facility. The team there hopes to eventually get him home to around-the-clock family care and home health services. Much of my time lately has been by his side and will be in the days ahead.
Speaking of The Power to Be, the publisher originally planned to release it on January 1, but they've pushed the date back to March 1. They're reformatting it to a hardcover book due to a large bookstore chain's request. That's great news!
Other good news I recently learned is that the publisher will release an imitation leather edition of my one-year devotional--Raindrops from Heaven: Gentle Reminders of God's Power, Presence and Purpose--on February 1.
I've been coaching a couple of writers in their next steps, and I just finished editing a book project for a friend who has an international pro-life ministry. She has a powerful story and secured several high-profile endorsements. I look forward to the release of Luana Stoltenberg's Singing in the Wilderness in January, just in time for the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. 
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