Mother Inferior

Working Women of the Bible: Review, Interview--and Giveaway!

Susan DiMickele and I share a passion for writing about women in scripture, so I was very excited to receive a copy of her newest book, Working Women of the Bible: Timeless Mentors for Modern Women.

 

In the book, Susan delves into the lives of scriptural working women and shows readers how these ancient women are actually excellent role models. I found the book down-to-earth, easy to read, and encouraging, and I'm thrilled to host Susan today. She was gracious enough to answer several questions--AND her publisher provided a copy of her book for a giveaway. Read on to learn about Susan, working women in the Bible, and how you can win a free book. :)

For those who aren't familiar with your work, can you tell us a little about  yourself?  

Like most women today, I wear many hats. I’m the youngest child of five daughters, a wife of 20 years, and a mother to three growing children (ages 7, 9, and 12). I’m also a lawyer, author, friend, cook, runner, and lover of dark chocolate. I write because it’s when I feel most connected to people and to God.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written two books. My first book, Chasing Superwoman:  A Working Mom’s Adventures In Life And Faith (2010 Cook) is a personal memoir. Yet after I wrote my own story—the story of a too-busy mom, wife, and lawyer trying to do it all—I knew I wasn’t finished. I next turned to the women of the Bible, and I quickly became passionate about the untold stories of some amazing women. 

What is the hardest thing about writing? 

Like so many authors, I can’t find enough time to write. Most of us have a “day” job, family responsibilities, and the everyday distractions of a full life. While I wouldn’t trade my life or the multiple hats I wear for anything, some days I wish I could just sit and write on a mountain top. Uninterrupted!

Oh, I so agree! And I truly feel your pain. :) Susan, can you tell my readers a little bit about your newest book?

 Working Women of the Bible focuses on women who worked outside the home or held positions of spiritual or political influence. In addition to Eve, we study Rahab, Jezebel, the widow in debt, Huldah, Deborah, the Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, Martha, Lydia, and Priscilla. All of these women—faults and all—give us insight and inspiration. They speak to us as working women who live in two worlds: the spiritual and the secular world.

What inspired you to write this book?

I have always loved the stories of biblical heroines. Yet until recently, I never viewed these women as modern mentors. I made the mistake of thinking my mentors had to live next door. Yet God has a way of providing answers where I least expect it. As I read about the women of the Bible, I realized the mentors I have longed for were right under my nose. Too often, we forget that the women of the Bible worked. Hard. They made mistakes, and they didn’t give in. In many ways, their stories are our stories.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Yes, more than anything, I want my readers to see that God has been redeeming the work of women for centuries--one life at a time. Like many of us today, the women of the Bible were trying to do it all: providing for their families, caring for the elderly, exercising spiritual leadership. Trying to be strong. Trying to figure out whether God can still use our work, despite our mistakes. Even trying to be Superwoman. It all sounds too familiar. Yet too many modern women believe that the Bible is a book for that time and that place. And most of us are wondering how it really relates to me. I want to challenge that thinking.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Just do it. There will never be a good time to write. If your soul is burning with a desire to say something, you probably have something important to say. And if you have something important to say, someone will probably listen. But even if no one listens, you must follow your heart and take a chance. Otherwise, you’ll always wonder “what if?”

That's great advice. Thanks so much, Susan.

Now, it's your turn! To win a copy of Susan's book, just leave a comment answering this question: who is your favorite woman in the Bible, and why?

Write Away: A Mentoring Retreat for Women Writers

I'm excited to announce that I've planned my first-ever "Write Away" mentoring weekend for aspiring women writers. This retreat is something I've wanted to do for a long time, and because of the generosity of a friend with the cutest lake house you've ever seen, the dream is becoming a reality!

(Here, my mom would squeal; I'll just do a happy dance.)

 

Image by Tim Miller. Used with permission. Sourced via Flickr.

 

Space is limited to 6-8 writers (only women, because we'll be sharing living space), but I will have a waiting list and will keep those on the list posted if a space opens due to illness or cancellations. I hope to have at least two "Write Away" retreats in 2014, so if you aren't able to come this year, stay tuned. I plan to publicize future dates as soon as they become firm.

Here are the details about "Write Away":

What:  Two days of mentoring, encouragement, inspiration (and a few fun surprises) for aspiring women writers. Because the group number is limited to 6-8 women, this will be an intimate and personal time of specific guidance.

When:  September 27-29, 2013 (Friday at noon through Sunday noon).

Where:  Granbury, Texas (45 minutes southwest of Fort Worth). Granbury is approximately one hour from the DFW International Airport and 1 1/2 hours from Love Field, a Southwest hub. [Depending on your arrival time, free transportation from the airport may be available, or you could rent a car. There is also a "Super Shuttle" that runs from DFW to Granbury.] 

Who:   Aspiring and established women writers who want to learn more about the publishing business and grow in their craft.

Cost:  $150 ($50 non-refundable deposit required; installment payment plan available on request).

Fee includes:  One-on-one mentoring by a professional writer with twenty-five years’ experience and six books published by national royalty publishers;  lodging in a quaint lake house; two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks and drinks; small group exercises and critique sessions.

Schedule:

September 27 ( Friday)

• Arrive by noon.
• Noon to 2 pm:  Unpack, introductions, prayer time
• 3 pm:  First one-on-one mentoring sessions/writing time/free time
• 6 pm:  Dinner (on the town, cost not included); artistic inspiration and shopping on the Granbury square during the town’s monthly “Girls Night Out”
• 9 pm:  Dessert/publishing industry session

September 28 (Saturday)

• 8 am:  Breakfast
• 9-12:  Second one-on-one mentoring sessions/free time/writing time
• 1 pm:  Share writing (if desired);  get group feedback
• 3-5 pm:  Creative exercises; Q&A; Skype session with expert
• 6 pm:  Dinner (on the town, cost not included)
• 9 pm:  Dessert/craft and writing disciplines sessions

September 29 (Sunday)

• 8-10 am: Breakfast; worship by the lake; pack up to leave.

Interested? Download the Application for Write Away retreat, which asks your writing goals, experience (though none is required), and what you hope to take home from the weekend. If you hear from me that there is space, and you send in the $50 deposit, you'll be set to go.

(Oh, one more thing: I'd sure appreciate your prayers for the weekend. And I'm excited to meet my first retreat participants in person!)

Look at Me: Encouragement for the Highly Distractible Writer (and others)

When my sons were toddlers, they were so easily distracted (look: a squirrel!) that I often knelt down and gently placed my hands on their cheeks to help them listen.

“Look at me,” I’d say, waiting until their eyes met mine. Then I asked them, “What did Mommy say?”

Lately, I’ve felt God kneeling down, kindly pressing His hands to my cheeks. “Look at me,” He says. It’s not only a call to attention, but to single-minded devotion.

“Yes, Lord, ” I reply, taking my eyes off Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter–and focusing on Him.

Read the rest of the post.

Guest Post: Just This One Thing, It's All You Need

A few weeks ago, I asked for stories of God's miraculous provision--a request our Wounded Women of the Bible  editor made, in order to round out one of the chapters.

I was blown away by the response. We simply had too many good stories to include in the manuscript! So, I asked the writers of a few of my favorite stories--which didn't get picked for the book--if I could share them with you here.

 

The following testimony is written by the lovely Shelly Miller, who writes powerfully over at Redemption's Beauty (and other places).

I really love this one.

Just This One Thing, It’s All You Need

Several nights a week I return to the dorm after curfew smelling of pie and wet bar towels with crumbs smeared across my brown Pippins Pie Pantry t-shirt.  The pockets of my wrap around patchwork skirt bulge with tip money to pay for college fees.

One Sunday, before fulfilling another shift, I sit in church distracted by worrisome thoughts about how to pay bills coming due. While the preacher delivers a sermon on living by faith, I usher a quick prayer, ask Jesus for a miracle.

And just as I begin to stand up, make my way out of the auditorium, an older woman sitting next to me grabs my arm, pulls me back down and asks me to wait a moment. Stunned, I watch her fidget awkward in the pockets of her coat. She leans over, whispers into my shoulder, “God told me to give you this.”  Takes my hand in her hers and carefully places a wad of bills into my trembling fingers.

I hadn’t spoken to her once during the service. I came in late, took the empty aisle seat next to her.  A stranger to me, or perhaps an angel appointed by God.  I may never know.

And I don’t remember how much money she handed me that day. Just that I went directly to the grocery store and every single item I selected meant something.

Because I purchased each one with a miracle.

That lady, she obviously practiced hearing God’s voice and I it makes me want to hear Him like that too.  So I practice and think of the disciples.

How Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs. They travel light. Without money, extra shoes, or suitcases full of clothes and toiletries.  (Luke 10)

Just carrying the name of Jesus.

Because it is all they need.

For healing the sick.

And setting people free.

They practice the name of Jesus, over and over again. In the kitchen of a friend, along a dirt road, at the store, they practice.

I stand in line at the grocery store; eavesdrop on the conversation behind me between a father and son. Look into eyes wrapped tired with lines.  Leathery hands of a father holding two loaves of doughy bread, bologna, milk, cereal. He shuffles bread into one arm, counts the bills in his stubby, cracked fingers.

Whispers to his son, “I just got paid and it’s already almost gone.”

The young boy looks at his Dad and I hear the guilt in his voice when he asks if they should put something back. Return an item from what an arm can hold, not a cart full.

Now I am the woman hearing Jesus, fidgeting in my pocket, because I must act quickly to obey in this moment.

And as I pay for my things, I give extra to the cashier and she looks puzzled. I whisper over to her that she can use it for the bill of the ones standing in line behind me.

Just before I get to my van, the father, he comes running after me. Asks me why I did that. Why did I pay for his groceries?  And I tell him, “Jesus told me to do it, because He loves you.”

The name of Jesus.  Practice using that name. It changes everything.

A Quick Update: Grateful

Just a quick update: thank you so much for your prayers! My neck surgery was a big success, and I'm recovering at home. I stayed last Friday night in the hospital (which I didn't mind), because the surgeon had to do more work than he had expected once he opened my neck up.

 

I won't be able to drive or lift anything over the weight of a phone book until my follow-up appointment on April 9th. But my mom is here and my brood is treating me like a queen; friends from church are bringing tasty meals; and one family lent us a recliner, where I'm sleeping. I feel very cared for--even my sweet dog, Princess, has been hovering nearby, comforting me--and grateful.

 

I am sore and will be for a few weeks, but I am so, so glad to be on this side of the surgery. I woke up from surgery without a headache--for the first time in literally months. PTL! The brace I have to wear 24/7 is ginormous; and at times, I feel claustrophobic. But it's a small price to pay for better health and a more active life. 

 

Another answered prayer: we received the book cover art for "Wounded Women of the Bible" and it's gorgeous. We couldn't be happier. It's hard to put your baby in a publisher's hands and not have any control over how they "clothe" it. But Kregel did an amazing job. The book is actually available now for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and will officially be released July 1st.

 

Finally, the interview with Dr. Randy Carlson of Intentional Living went very well. It was such an honor and privilege to share about God's healing in my life following Post-Partum Depression. If you'd like to listen, you can click here (look for the audio archive dated 3/27/13, titled "When Parenting Brings You Down"). 

 

Thank you so much for praying, thinking of me, reading, commenting, and supporting this ministry God has called me to. It means the world to me. I pray you have a blessed Easter and a wonderful week!

The Circle of Seasons: A Chat with Kimberlee Conway Ireton

I have the pleasure today of hosting a fellow mom-writer, Kimberlee Conway Ireton. We met last fall at the Laity Lodge Writer's Retreat, and I was immediately drawn to her wit, intelligence, and talent. She was easy to be around, too--and obviously smitten with her hubby, books, and kids. :) A few weeks later, Kimberlee was kind enough to send me a copy of her book, The Circle of Seasons, and I've enjoyed it very, very much.

I think you will, too.

The Circle of Seasons is a well-written, thoughtful, and practical guide to the church year. Phyllis Tickle, compiler of The Divine Hours, calls it "a very accessible and enormously appealing overview of the Church’s liturgical year.” And Ann Voskamp says the book holds "beautiful words, deep thoughts…[which] speak my language of rhythm and liturgy and make me yearn for more God.”

I asked Kimberlee if I could interview her, and she graciously agreed. I pray our conversation encourages you, especially during this Lenten season:

--You're a mom and writer, and I connected with you right away because of that. It's a unique challenge to write when  your kids are young. How do you find/make time to write with your kiddos and hubby, and other responsibilities?

I often write after the kids go to bed. It’s not ideal, but I can usually crank out a piece if I have to. For several years, I also hired a babysitter to come watch my kids a few hours each week, so I could write. But when we put our son in Tae Kwon Do and our daughter in piano lessons this fall, something in our budget had to go.

So now, I spend my Saturdays writing at a local coffee house or two, while my husband hangs out with the kids. It makes for a crazy life, but I hope it’s only for a season and that at some point I’ll again be able to hire childcare a few hours a week. Either that, or my kids will grow old enough that I can leave them home alone. :)

--I loved the personal feel of this book. Also, I didn't grow up in a denomination that celebrated the church year, but you made it very accessible. What would you say has been the most transformative part of celebrating the church year, for you? And why?

I didn’t grow up celebrating the church year, either. I came to the practice as an adult. What I love most about the church year is the way that, if we live it, it keeps pointing us back to Christ; the whole year revolves around the life of Christ and the life of the Church, which is Christ’s body.

The church year helps me remember that even in the ordinary details of my days, I am not my own. I have been bought with a price, and in life and in death I belong to God. When I am faithful to live the seasons, they provide depth and richness to my days, and a sense that I’m living in a larger story than the little all-about-me life I usually inhabit. 

--I really liked the ideas you gave for living out the seasons of the church year in your home and family, whether or not your church celebrates it. Which is your favorite way to bring those traditions home?

In our home, every night before dinner we light a candle and say a short call-and-response litany (and yes, most weeks, we have dinner together every night). The color of the candle and the words of the litany change from season to season.

Right now, we’re in Ordinary Time, so our candle is green. Come Wednesday, when Lent begins, the candle will be purple. And then, on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we don’t light the candle at all. It sits there, black-wicked, while we eat, to remind us that the Light has gone out of the world. 

It’s a really simple thing, but it’s a touchstone for our days, and it keeps the church’s way of telling time prominent in our lives.

--Who have you been influenced by in your faith? In your writing?

Ooh, I love this question! My faith became real for me in sixth grade when I read In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. I’ve not read it since; I was telling my friend Susan the other day that I’m scared to, because I’m afraid I’ll think it’s cheesy or lame, and I don’t want to know that about the book that was the catalyst for my taking Christ seriously and basing the way I live on his claims. My best friend at the time also deeply influenced my growing faith.

Other people who have deeply influenced my faith are Mother Teresa, my dear friend Susan Forshey, two former pastors, my grad school professors (all but one of them Benedictines), my spiritual director, and my kids (because of them I lean hard on Jesus; there ain’t no way I can raise these four young souls on my own, even with my husband’s help; we are so not enough). Also, countless writers, starting with Charles Sheldon and continuing on to the Desert Fathers and Mothers, early Celtic Christians (and their contemporary interpreters), George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, Eugene Peterson, Wendy Wright, Lisa McMinn, Ann Voskamp—I could just keep going!

I also love older devotional literature like My Utmost for His Highest and Streams in the Desert. We just don’t write like that anymore. The words are often as beautiful as the ideas, and that makes my heart happy. I think it makes God’s heart happy, too. :)

As far as writing goes, every author I love has influenced me in some way, I’m sure. I’ve only taken one writing course in my life, my sophomore year in college, but I learned a great deal from that class and the professor, Fan Gates. Most of what I know about writing comes from copious reading.

I used to read a lot more writing books than I do now, though I still love to open Strunk & White’s Elements of Style and just read a paragraph or a page. My other favorite books on writing are all about water: Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle, Rumors of Water by L.L. Barkat, and A Syllable of Water, edited by Emilie Griffin.

--What are you reading right now?

I am always in the middle of at least three books. :) Right now I’m re-reading Eugene Peterson’s Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer. I just started Pilgrim’s Inn, a novel by Elizabeth Goudge, and I’m slowly making my way through Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth, Joy Together by Lynne Baab, and The Writer Who Stayed by William Zinsser.

--Any final thoughts?

Oh, Dena, I’m sure I could always find more to say, but I think I’ve been long-winded enough for one evening. Thanks so much for these questions. It’s always helpful to remember why it is that I do what I do—whether it’s writing or parenting or living the church year—because so often in the doing, I lose sight of the reasons. Your questions gave me a chance to look at and articulate the why again. Thank you for that.

You're welcome. It was a treat to have you here!

------

Want to buy the book?

Copies of The Circle of Seasons are available on Amazon for as little as $9.98.

You can also purchase copies directly from Kimberlee for $7.99 each (including shipping). Simply email her the number of books you want, your mailing address, and if/to whom you’d like your book(s) inscribed. Bulk discounts are available for orders of 10 or more.

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Praying With Tears by Kimberlee Conway Ireton

A Year Of Prayer - Kimberlee Conway Ireton

Eight Questions: An Upcoming Resource for Wounded Women

Surrendering to Sabbath

He's Our Provider

He's Our Provider

When my co-author and I asked for stories of God's provision for our upcoming Kregel release, "Wounded Women of the Bible," we were overwhelmed by the response. It was so encouraging to read the testimonies from women who had seen God meet their needs in miraculous ways.

We could only use three of the stories in the book's chapter on the widow of Zarephath, so we're going to share some of them on our own blogs. We pray they encourage you! 

Here's one from author and speaker Dawn Wilson, of LOLwithGod:

In the 1970s Dawn Wilson sang and served with a revival ministry,  traveling throughout the United States. As a new Christian, the 21-year-old was in awe of how God worked in churches in the lives of others: breaking down pride, calling believers to repentance and obedience, restoring families and changing churches. 

At that time, team members received only ten dollars a month for personal needs. As the months passed—with no other means of support—Dawn soon found herself in need, lacking many practical things: toothpaste, hair spray, deodorant, feminine supplies, nylons, some makeup, breath mints and even thank you notes to thank the hosts where she stayed each week. There was no way she could get through another month without some of the more basic needs.

“Lord, you know I don’t have these things,” she prayed. “I have no one else to turn to. I could try to borrow these things from team members, but I'm asking you to supply. I’ve watched you provide spiritually for people in the churches where we’ve shared. Will you provide some practical things for me now?”

The next week, at a church in Florida, Dawn and another team member were placed in the home of an elderly lady. She led them to the room where they would stay for the week, and Dawn’s mouth opened in surprise. There, on each of their beds, was a lovely gift basket to welcome them. This had never happened before in her experience on the team. Dawn smiled and cried as she examined the contents. Everything she prayed for, including thank you notes, filled the basket. And there was more ... a $20 bill in an envelope for "whatever else you need."

This was more than a gift from a caring old woman. God provided in a way that reminded Dawn she was not forgotten. God saw her service, heard her prayer, and proved Himself faithful. In the 40 years to follow—on this revival team and in various other ministries—God continued to meet her needs; but Dawn still points to that simple basket as the foundation of her understanding that God would always provide.

Do You Have a Story of Provision? Have it Featured in "Wounded Women of the Bible"

We need your help. :) Our editor for "Wounded Women of the Bible" at Kregel Books (which releases this Fall) is asking us to collect a few stories of God miraculously providing in a time of financial or physical need, to go along with the biblical story of the widow at Zarephath. 

I know some of you probably have these "Jehovah Jireh" moments. We need short (600 words or less) testimonies with lots of specific details. They don't have to be perfect, just compelling.

 

We will edit the stories to fit the chapter, so don't even worry too much about punctuation, spelling, etc.

Here's the rub: we need them ASAP--as in the next week (final edits are due Feb.4th). Eeek!

If  you are interested in submitting, shoot me an email and just put the text in the email, or attach as a Word document, to denadyer [at] gmail.com. Please include your snail and email addresses, full name, pen name (if you want us to use it), and phone number.

Thanks so much! 

Eight Questions: An Upcoming Resource for Wounded Women

Happy 2013, friends! I'm answering 8 questions today, along with several other Wordserve Literary clients. (Thanks to Jordyn Redwood for the excellent idea!) We're each sharing a bit about our upcoming book projects.

1. What is the working title of your book? Wounded Women of the Bible, with my co-author and dear friend, Tina Kinsey Samples. It will release in late summer or early fall of this year (we don't have a specific date yet).

2. Where did the idea come from for the book? God woke Tina up in the middle of the night with the idea. (Really!)

3. What genre does your book fall under? Women's non-fiction.

4. What's the synopsis for your book? What do biblical women such as Hagar, Abigail, Martha, Bathsheba (among others) have in common with women today? They've all been wounded--by relationships, losses, or their own mistakes. In Wounded Women of the Bible, authors Dena Dyer and Tina Samples share fresh spiritual insights gleaned from ancient women who faced the same emotions and questions as contemporary women. The authors also tell their own stories of healing, as well as those experienced by their friends and family members. Find hope and strength for your own journey as you view biblical women's wounds through the lens of God's grace.

5. Will you book be self-published or represented by an agency? Greg Johnson of Wordserve is our agent, and he negotiated a contract for us with Kregel Publishers.

6. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Several months. But the proposal took several months, and so did the edits. It was a long, prayerful and difficult process, because we opened up our own lives and shared wounds that God was still healing us from. 

7. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Bad Girls of the Bible, Have a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Twelve Extraordinary Women

8. What else about your book might pique a reader's interest? We know that there are countless women who carry wounds from their past. Many of those women feel isolated in their pain, believing that no one could possibly understand how they feel. 

It is our fervent prayer that Wounded Women of the Bible would touch the hearts of those who cry with desperation to find freedom. We long for its healing message to reach the women who feel completely, utterly alone.

As they read the book, those women will find a much-needed connection with biblical women, as well as with us and other contemporary women who share their journeys in the manuscript. In addition, it’s our goal that those who read the book would come away changed from the inside out—believing that God is powerful and loves them personally, and that He longs to heal them, no matter the size or shape of their scars.

Setting Captives Free: Writers and Readers Reach Out 2012

Who we are: A group of writers and readers endeavoring to live our gratitude out loud during these 30 Days of Thanksgiving by partnering with Make Way Partners. This amazing organization rescues widows and orphans from human traffickers and offers them hope through the love of Jesus. Make Way Partners offers ongoing medical care and education to those they’re able to set free--and that’s where we come in.

What we’re doing: Helping to build a high school for 600 orphans in a dangerous war-torn area on the border of Sudan and Darfur. Make Way Partners has built the lower grades from the ground up, adding one grade at a time as funds allowed. It’s now time to build a high school, giving these kids an education beyond that of the majority of leaders in their Parliament, and in doing so equip this next generation with tools that can change the direction of their country.

Our Request: That our readers would catch this vision with us and live their gratitude out loud, too. You can donate through Make Way’s donation form. (Your donation can be “attached” to a favorite author by filling in the field asking where you heard about Make Way. Example: WritersandReaders/AuthorDenaDyer)

Quick Facts:

• Make Way Partners was founded by Kimberly L. Smith and her husband. 
• Read more about this incredible ministry at Kimberly’s blog.  
• Download a free chapter of Kimberly’s book Passport Through Darkness. 
• If you prefer using a check or money order, you may address it to Make Way Partners, P.O. Box 26367 Birmingham , AL 35260.  
• Spred the Word: In addition to donating, everyone can be of incredible assistance by using the power of social media to spread the news of this drive. When twittering or pinning this drive please use hashtags #WritersandReaders2012 or #WR2012. (My twitter handle is @motherinferior2)
• Enlarging the Vision: As we were set to launch, one-fourth of our population was impacted by Super storm Sandy and many areas remain in distress. We’ve adjusted our sails to respond to the heartache in our own country as well. As you make your donation to Make Way Partners, please consider making a matching donation to relief efforts underway for our neighbors on the East Coast. We believe strongly our being mobilized to respond to the needs of our neighbors at this very moment is no coincidence. We’ve been given much, let us give much. One place to donate is World Vision. Another is Samaritan's Purse.
• Get the backstory on this campaign.