All posts by Sally Ferguson

Hi! My name is Sally Ferguson and I have been a freelance writer since 1996. Over 100 devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). I’ve also written for Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum and Thriving Family. Warner Press released my coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? January 2006. As a speaker, I enjoy connecting with women and seeing them find affirmation for the phase of life they face daily. I am passionate about helping women find encouragement from God’s Word, as well as supplying the tools to help them apply what they’ve learned there. I love organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom when we take time away from our daily routine. Our Women’s Retreat just celebrated its 10th Anniversary! Parenting has its own set of challenges. My kids are grown but the nest keeps growing. Join me on the journey as we figure it out together!
Faith, Reviews

Bible Study Review: Grin with Grace

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Grin with Grace

When suffering hits, the last thing I want to do is grin; rejoice; be content. But Kathy Carlton Willis contends we not only will do those things, but we will thank the Lord for the trials that grow us. Her book, Grin With Grace is a call to return to the Source of life, the One who can use all things for His good purposes.

There are opportunities for us to be instruments of grace, even in the midst of our suffering. ~ Kathy Carlton Willis

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Kathy is well versed in the suffering department. From health issues to the nitty gritty of living life, she knows the need for a dose of joy. Her goal is to help all of us who feel so far from the goal. Is it a lofty goal? I don’t think so, because the pursuit of wisdom brings us closer to the One who gives it freely to those who ask. And that’s a good place to be.

Grin With Grace is sectioned off into humorous real-life stories, Bible study, life-application steps, turning faith into ministry and challenging scenarios to consider. The sections invite journaling and that reflection invites action. Never does she leave us to sit on our discoveries, but pushes us to share them with others. Our women’s group found the conversation starters helpful and the personal approach to faith, endearing. We used the material as a springboard toward more transparency in our faith and encouragement of each other. The last chapter, especially, created an opportunity to voice our support through benediction, or blessing.

One of the ways Kathy teaches us about the dependability of Grace, is to cause us to look at the effects of our promises. Do we say what we mean, and mean what we say? She calls us to a higher accountability as we mirror the character of God. And such is the tough love found throughout the book; spoken with compassion, yet straight and to the point. She reminds us to seek the One who is enough, so that we won’t try to be sufficient in our own resources. And that is the power in Grin With Grace; truth cushioned with kindness and love.

Make time for this study on grace. It will open your worldview to the characteristics of a grace-filled life, and equip you to look for the touches of God in grace-filled moments!

Sally

Check out the Bible Study Expo, for an interview with Kathy Carlton Willis!

 

 


In the News, Leadership

Bible Study Expo

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2016 Poster

Marnie Swedberg annually hosts an event that has become a go-to resource for me. She invites authors to share the stories behind their Bible studies, and in the process, makes the writer more real. It brings a smile to follow the conversation threads during this event; the fast paced comments on the Facebook party happen at the same time as The Bible Study Expo, and the enthusiasm is contagious. It’s fun, because these gals have become friends. As we dialogue over author quotes, we encourage, inspire and enjoy one another!
Maybe you’ve wanted to lead a Bible study, but never had the courage to step out? I’ve blogged about that at “Why lead a Bible Study?” Here, I want to tell you how I’ve benefitted by connecting with authors. Listening to their voices online, you can hear the passion for the subject they researched. Marnie interviews them, they share behind-the-scenes discoveries, and we all come away enriched by the treasures in God’s Word.

The Expo is 100% free and online, catch it while it happens, or come back to dig in later. Register at http://www.biblestudyexpo.com/

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A few years back, Sue Edwards was involved in the Expo, with her book, Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ. I connected with Sue’s work, even though she was not able to attend at the last minute, and used it with my Women’s Bible Study group. I had the opportunity to participate in launching an online study of Ephesians on Sue’s Facebook Page. We also went on to use another in the series, Luke: Discovering Healing in Jesus’ Words to Women.
This year, Kathy Carlton Willis is on the docket with her book, Grin With Grace. Our Women’s Class just wrapped up this study, and I’m looking forward to hearing more stories from Kathy’s quirky take on life.
How can you benefit from attending the Expo? You develop friendships, find studies to share, and more fully appreciate the author’s work. Besides, you may be one of the winners of the door prizes from Sarah Young, Logan Wolfram, Raechel Myers, Barbara Roose, Sherry Poundstone, Kathy Carlton Willis, Jeanne Brooks, Sherri Burgess, or Gwen Smith!
Come join us at The Bible Study Expo, Thursday, March 17, 2016!

Noon – 2 Pacific

1-3 Mountain

2-4 Central

3-5 Eastern
Sally


Reviews

Book Review: Afghanistan: 179 Days of Teachable Moments

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Af

Afghanistan: 179 Days of Teachable Moments is a book of daily devotionals from a soldier living in combat zone. The author’s goal? To find the voice of God in small moments.

A soldier finds Teachable Moments in Afghanistan.

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The author, Florence Robyn Smith, served a six month deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. Her assignment as Executive Officer (XO) on base gives a unique perspective to the daily workings of military life. She speaks of assignments in such a way that you can taste dusty air and feel bumpy roads filled with craters. The threat of Taliban Insurgents and rebel attacks gives the devotions a surreal element. And the journal of daily activities shapes a new understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

From the military exercises to the mundane tasks of life, there is something for everyone within these pages. Smith offers the gift of looking at the intricacies of daily life and pulling out a scriptural truth, which she calls, Teachable Moments. Smith says, “Playing with sin is like playing with a hand grenade.”

She says she learned to love the people she served, both on base and off. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the soldiers buying shoes for the Afghan people, through initiatives like the Afghan Women’s Education Center, a non-profit organization providing assistance to women and children.

I am grateful for Florence Robyn Smith’s service, and for all who strive to keep our country safe. We have no idea the dangers our military face on our behalf, and in a largely thankless position. But they do so day after day, away from family and friends. Smith also uses this as a Teachable Moment, encouraging all to leave comfort in order to “enter into a realm of His presence that is extraordinary.”

Get this book of devotions for a soldier in the military or for a soldier in the Lord’s army. It will equip for battle on the frontlines of life!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Encouragement, Faith

The Tweet-able Bible

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Bible memory

Do you have a difficult time memorizing passages? I can work and work on committing a verse to memory, then go completely blank when it comes time to recall it. But I’ve found a 5 Step Method that helps me.

It’s easier to remember the context of a verse when you boil it down to the foundation. And that’s what happens when you tweet the text. Twitter allows 140 characters, your take on the passage is condensed to fit, and voila! You’ve got a Bible passage that’s planted in your heart and mind because you’ve taken it apart and applied it.

Here are some of my favorites:

True worship = total surrender. Romans 12:1-2

There is no flaw in God’s Word! Psalm 18:30

Am I once muddy, always muddy? No! I am washed, set apart & proven right in God’s sight! 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

And this, from a sermon my Hubby preached:

What is your Salt & Light Plan? Mt 5:13-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mt+5%3A13-16&version=NASB

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The 5 Step Method:

  1. Take the subject and verb, look for the affect they have on the topic.             God’s kindness leads us toward repentance. Romans 2:4
  2. Is there a cause & effect? Highlight that.                                                               When I put God first, He takes care of the rest. Matthew 6:33
  3. Can you bring out a formula?                                                                           Godliness + contentment = great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6
  4. Look for lists, characteristics or benefits.                                                              Sound judgment & discernment = life, safety, stability, lack of fear & sweet rest. Proverbs 3:21-24
  5. Is there a command, instruction or promise?                                                         Speak up! Proverbs 31:8-9

When a verse speaks to your heart, it becomes a beacon to a great truth the Lord wants to spotlight. Your task in tweeting it, is not to rewrite the verse, but to whet the appetite of your readers so they will want to read it for themselves. Add a link to the verse so it is easily accessible. I like www.biblegateway.com; others use www.bible.com. Have fun with it; it will bring light to your time with God in a refreshing way!

O Father, draw me! John 6:44

Sally @SallyJFerguson

Originally published at sallyswords


Family, Holidays

What Drew me to my Spouse?

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Heart at the human hands
Heart at the human hands

In the early days, I was attracted to Roy’s curls at the base of his neck, and the way he kept his mustache and beard so well trimmed. He was ambitious, maintaining four part-time jobs in order to put himself through school. And he had a thirst to follow God, in every arena of life.

Through the years I’ve watched him hurdle obstacles that seemed insurmountable. And circumstances that felt unredeemable. Yet he did it hanging onto God’s promises, and trusting the Lord to see us through.

Now we are grandparents. In this season of life, I am so grateful for the memories that have become building blocks. They are a foundation of trust, faithfulness and perseverance. I am grateful for his loyal companionship in spite of the times I’ve acted in a manner that was less than attractive.

I’ve learned to give instead of always expecting more.

I’ve learned to respect, even when I didn’t understand.

And I’ve learned to appreciate the days we have together, for there is no guarantee of tomorrow.

How will you affirm your spouse today?

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On this Valentine’s Day, celebrate your spouse with words of affirmation. Remind him that he is still your hero. He needs to know you are still in his corner, because the world has a way of tearing you apart.

Sally

How have you learned to appreciate your spouse more over the years?

Reviews

Book Review: Breaking Busy

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Breaking Busy

When do you reach your capacity? Breaking Busy says you can identify your limits and stop saying yes to every request out of guilt. The author, Alli Worthington tells of her own pitfalls in the struggle to keep up with the demands of running a successful business and raising five boys. She shares the process she had to learn to abandon the never ending need to please, and how it provided a foundation to live out her calling.

We’re so cluttered with things we “should” do, we can’t figure out what we were meant to do.

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I have to say, she stepped on my toes. I didn’t realize how comfortable I had become with my own busyness. I thought it filled a need in my heart, but Alli says it just masked the deeper need to be a people-pleasing machine. She reminds us to ask ourselves if escaping reality is easier than reducing the To-Do list. And she provides a voice of reason, by encouraging us to “be realistic about your time and energy!”

In a culture of busyness being our barometer of worth, Alli’s book is a refreshing reminder that Jesus calls us away to rest with Him. In fact, Chapter 10 might just be the most important chapter in the whole book, because it tackles the lies we believe about where our self-worth comes from. Alli gives permission to say, “We don’t have to do it all.” She calls us back to a relationship with the Lord and His Word that fills the empty places of striving. She says, “God’s Word is continually new to us because it speaks through the filter of the circumstance of life we are in.”

Do you struggle with busyness, worry, making decisions or communication? This book is for you! Alli provides the framework for weighing each opportunity, so that you can even pass up great opportunities to be ready for the best option for you. She even offers online tools to help implement the principles laid out in the book.

Get this book! It is from the heart of encourager who has learned to overcome the cycle of busyness in order to experience the fullness of life!

Sally

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book plus a book bundle from Zondervan in exchange for my thoughts and opinions of Breaking Busy.


In the News, Reviews

Book Review: The Breeding Tree

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The Breeding Tree

In this riveting tale of utopian society, the characters are forced to choose between their conscience and safety. The Breeding Tree tackles important questions about right to life, and who determines whether or not a person is useful to society. Do birth defects, accidents or age dictate a person’s worth? Or, does the value of human life come from something intrinsically deeper?

J. Andersen is a budding author who understands the pace and rhythm needed to move a story. From the establishment of the Institute’s Code of Ethics, to the description of lab experiments, J. Andersen has created characters and environments that are believable and compelling. I found myself cheering for Kate and warning her about the shadows chasing her through the streets of Sector 4. I had a hard time trusting Micah, yet felt pulled to find out more about him. And Kate’s grandmother held more secrets!

Keep your friends close & your enemies closer…

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The book is targeted to the Young Adult audience, yet held lessons for all ages. The storyline is fast-paced and multilayered. Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize the same thirst to rebel against an establishment that threatens life and liberty.

Fantastic book! I can’t wait to see how the ongoing story will unfold!

Sally


Writing

You Want to be Published?

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publish

Scores of books and articles have been written on how to get published. So maybe, you don’t need me to tell you how, but to encourage you, that you can do it!
1. Set goals. If you write one page every day for a year, you’ll have 365 pages! I have kept a desk calendar at different times, just for word count and submission goals.
2. Be disciplined. You have to put your seat in the chair and stay there! Use a timer and then reward yourself with a stretch break. Find what helps to keep you on task.
3. Outline. Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden say “an effective outline can help you stay on track and focus on your topic.” Break your subject down into three or five major areas. Then begin filling in the gaps with stories and essential points. Edit until it sings.
I used this method for the article in Women of Worth: Sugar & Spice, and it helped me meet my deadline!
4. You can find ways to get published when you email the editor. What are their editorial needs? How do you get on their author rotation? I did this with Light From The Word, and was able to land an assignment for seven devotionals when I sent samples of my work.
5. Visualize your audience and write to that person. If you’re writing for young moms, then you’ll use examples from when your kids were toddlers. Edit out big words when writing for children. Watch for slang that won’t relate to senior citizens.

How do you become a fantastic writer? Write. Edit. Submit. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

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Oddly, when you look at writers on writing, they focus more on developing your craft, than on finding a publisher.
Point taken, you’ll get published when you know how to write.
Ellison and Gilden ask, “Do you see your writing as a ministry? Then, who can you serve? How can you help? Where can you enlighten? What can you teach? When can you encourage? Why have you been given the gift of words? Is it to keep them to yourself, or for the benefit of others?”
If for the benefit of others, then do so with excellence!
Helpful Resources:
For The Write Reason:   Marybeth Whalen
WriterSpeaker.com:  Carmen Leal
Write His Answer:  Marlene Bagnull
The Complete Guide to Christian Writing and Speaking:  Susan Titus Osborn
Called to Write:  Edna Ellison & Linda Gilden
The Art of War for Writers:  James Scott Bell
Funds for Writers:  C. Hope Clark
Sally


Retreats, Reviews

Book Review: Lazarus Awakening

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Picture 5

Joanna Weaver says that which we believe will destroy us, can be the catalyst to more accurately reveal Jesus in us. Her direct, yet gentle approach paves the way to receive the truths packed throughout this three piece set of the Lazarus Awakening DVD Bible Study.

“Faith is often learned best in the crucible of pain.”

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Weaver tells us, her previous book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, began a ten year journey with the family from Bethany. Her smooth writing style puts personal stories to good use to illustrate Scripture. She unwraps truth in the telling of story, with profound depth to the multiple layers of application found there. We are reminded that we all have issues we need to surrender to the Lord, and the convicting is done is such a gracious manner, you keep coming back for more. This book should be placed in the hands of every person who ever tested faith. It probes questions we usually leave simmering beneath the surface, yet has a way of clarifying Scripture in such a way that stories open up in a whole new light. Suddenly the application to my sin wound is crystal clear and reveals a Love so profound that the Truth is staggering. Weaver uses “analogies concerning the tombs we often settle for and the graveclothes we often wear, pointing us to the resurrection life Jesus came to bring.” Halfway through the book I knew I was holding in my hands a transformational key for our next Women’s Retreat! And there, on the third DVD, I found a retreat format ready to be tweaked to our own event, including power point slides, craft ideas and workshop materials.

The workbook consists of an 8-session series for personal or group study, as a companion to the video sessions. It is user friendly, with lots of tools for reflection. I like the use of journaling prompts and opportunities to flesh out what the Lord is saying through the passage. Planning Guides are also provided with action steps, and it’s packed with helpful tools for personalization and application.

The DVD was filmed in Israel, placing the study of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, in their homeland. The visual backdrop of the Holy Land is stunning, as Joanna Weaver explains God’s Word in a compelling way. Extra footage highlights interviews on location and tools for study. The piece that especially grabbed my attention, was the section with downloadable leader’s guide, promotional material, and a complete retreat laid out. Weaver has thought of everything!

Sally

Disclaimer: I received this book set from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.


In the News

Sanctity of Life

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What does it mean to set apart life as sacred? What is so special about one life, that it would cause others to guard it? Maybe that one life, is that of the inventor of the smallpox vaccine? Or maybe it was the life of Winston Churchill, who taught us to “Never, never, never give up.”

Who determines the worth of a soul? Does government? Does popular opinion? Hitler declared the Jewish race inferior to his own. He succeeded in swaying public support for his beliefs. Watch as Joel Rosenberg describes the horror of Auschwitz.

When does a human being have the right to terminate the life of another? Before birth? At the end of a long life, now being snuffed out by disease?

Where are the limits to what a person/regime/political entity can impose on another country/race/individual?

Why should people care, when life is spiraling out of control in so many arenas? Joanna Weaver says, “God created us with a primal instinct for life and a violent resistance to death. There is a fight reflex within us that battles to breathe, scratching and clawing to the surface of whatever we’re going through in order to survive. And that is as it should be. If we don’t have a desire to live, then something is terribly wrong. Something has short-circuited our wiring, both physically and spiritually.”

How could one person make a difference, in a world where values are relative to circumstantial evidence?

How can one person make a difference?

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Allow me to share a story. A reporter happened upon a beach where starfish upon starfish had washed up upon the shore, casualty of the previous night’s storm. The sea creatures would not survive out of their natural habitat, and the morning sun would surely bake them before hitting the noonday sky. But a lone beachcomber tossed specimens into the breakwaters, barely moving from one spot to reach for the next one. The reporter asked what difference it would make, when so many would not make it into the water. The man continued with his task, not even looking up to answer, “It makes a difference to that one.”

Is it an insurmountable task, to stem the tide of abortions in our country? Maybe. But it could save the life of one, who could save the life of one, who could…

abortion

I watched a movie last night with Hubby that left me cheering for life. The Martian, starring Matt Damon, is about an astronaut left behind in an aborted science mission to Mars. The ensuing struggle to survive on his part, and to launch a rescue attempt on the part of others, is a beautiful commentary on the value of one human life. One that is worth saving at all odds and all cost. Hmmm. That sounds a lot like the Rescue Effort launched by the Father and the Son. Jesus came to save us at the greatest cost of all time. Could we treat life any different?

Sally