Change is Part of the Journey
by Gerry Wakeland, President
Change! It continues to be a thread in all of our lives. Everyday, when we listen to the news it screams of change. As much as we long for things to remain the same it is impossible and if you stop and think it's really not healthy. For without change there is no growth. And growth is what God wants for each of us, what He plans for us as He leads us on this journey called life. In fact, we should look at change as the journey not the destination because as often is the case, once we arrive, new changes await. It's like a road trip waiting to be taken.
CLASS is experiencing a great deal of change right now. Perhaps you have encountered some of it. The 800 number has not been working. The old website is not updated. And, yes, that's all part of the transition we are working through. You might say we've had a few potholes on our journey.
The good news is our new website, www.classeminars.org, is up and running. I am sure you will be as thrilled with the new website as I am. Steve and Julie Ferwerda have done an awesome job creating a new Internet home for us!
Here's some more exciting news, Tama Westman has been named the new Director of Communications for CLASSEMINARS. Tama will continue to serve as the Editor in Chief of the CLASS Communique' and will work closely with Karen Porter who has been selected as the new Vice President of Marketing. Both Tama and Karen will be involved in the development of our new corporate strategy.
Speaking of strategy, recently our Strategic Planning Task Force met with Florence in her home in Palm Springs. We spent three days listening, planning and dreaming about the future of CLASSEMINARS. Out of that meeting came some great ideas for new seminar programs and ways to help you enhance your ministry. You will be hearing more about this in the next few weeks and months as we unveil these new plans and programs.
With all the wonderful things that are happening we have to expect a little bump in the road now and then. And sure enough the bump showed up this week when we learned that the Glorieta Conference Center has had to make some significant cutbacks. We were told on Tuesday that Glorieta will be closing from October through May each year. WOW!
Now you may be wondering, what about the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference which has been a significant part of the CLASS ministry these last seven years. Immediately, I called our faculty to prayer and we feel confident God wants the writer's conference to continue. We will have to find a new site and we may have to change this year's date but we will persevere. I would ask that you keep this in your prayers as our team searches out alternate locations.
In the midst of all the change, both the wonderful and the challenging, we stand firm in the knowledge that God remains on the throne. He is still in control of every detail, big and small, in our lives and in our ministries. Do you believe that? I hope so.
He did not promise that the journey would be all smooth sailing, but He did promise, "I am making a way in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)
I encourage you to find time today to join Him in the throne room, to sit at His feet and talk about the journey, your dreams and His plans. Listen to what He has to share with you. Let Him remind you of how much He cares for you and your future. Chances are that when you do this, change will not seem so intimidating after all. It will seem much more like an adventure, a road trip waiting to be taken!
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God in Me:
Like a Hand
in a Glove
by Julie Ferwerda
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20a
We have the saying at CLASS, "Writing and speaking go together like a hand in a glove." This is a great visual, but as we take CLASS to a deeper level of "knowing Him and making Him known," I'd like to shift our application. Have you ever stopped to ponder the fact that God is The Writer and The Orator of all time, and when we are appointed to bring His message to others through the spoken or the written word, we have become the glove that contains the Hand? I used to believe that I was merely relying on God to "help me" write or speak His message. But now I understand that I am His message. He literally writes and speaks through me when I am in obedience and humble dependence on Him. That God would choose to identify Himself and to communicate His heart to His people through me - to grip me in His firm and steady fingers as His pen, or to rest His holy hands on my heart as His keyboard, or to hold me confidently up to His mouth as His microphone - is a very mysterious, sacred calling, one that must be carefully, responsibly, deliberately, and soberly attended. Peter reminds, If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11). Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith,
types His messages through CLASSEMINARS Faculty Member
Julie Ferwerda from her home in Lander, Wyoming, coincidentally,
"God's Country." Now whether she translates and arranges them to
His liking or not, that remains to be determined.
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Roll Up Your Pants Legs - We're Goin' In
Putting Feet to Our Faith
By Melodie Griffin Has God given you a dream? Has He whispered a secret in your ear about something He wants you to do in His name? Let me guess. Your response was to back up a few steps, give Him that look with your head cocked to the side (like your dog does when she hears a high-pitched noise), then let out the obligatory, "Say what?" I know the response all too well. He said to the prophet Isaiah (48:6), Now I will tell you new things, secrets you have not yet heard. How amazing that God trusts His children with His secrets? Amazing? Yes. Sometimes frustrating? Yes, because He usually shares the "what" first and waits a while before revealing the "how." For instance, I have known for a long time that I am supposed to write a book. At first, that is all that God dropped into my spirit. A book. Well....that's sort of a broad category, don't you think? That seed sat in my spirit for over five years before God clearly revealed what the topic of this first book should be. Still - I didn't have the funds, or the training, or the connections- or, or, or. I'm guessing that you might recognize this line of thinking. As a musician, God also planted in my heart that He was ready for me to record another music CD. Cool! Cool? Wait a second! I don't have the money, the studio connections, the money... There is a lot I don't know yet. But there is a lot I do know. Most days, I do know I have heard God's prompting as to a specific plan He has for me. And that is enough to move on for now. I don't have every detail in place regarding the plans for the book, but there are so many things I can begin doing to put things in place - like networking and learning more about my craft (enter CLASSEMINARS). I can begin putting together the list of songs I feel that God is leading me to record and begin rehearsing them for the CD. This way, when God provides the missing pieces I won't have to say, "God, could you hold on for six months while I get my act together?" Instead, I will be ready with a "Yes sir!" God was pleased with the priests who were standing on the edge of the Promised Land when He told them to take a few steps into the Jordan River and then He would part the waters. Had I been one of God's chosen waders that day, I might have cocked my head and questioned to make sure I had heard Him correctly. They heard Him right. God wanted the priests to trust Him enough to get their feet wet. Then, and only then, did He provide the miracle. These days, I'm watching and waiting for my miracles. In the mean time, I've got my pants legs rolled up, I'm bracing myself for the cold waters and I'm going in! I'm doing whatever it takes to be ready to see God in all of His glory. So, who's coming with me? A busy mom of three, CLASSEMINARS Faculty Member Melodie Griffinis a freelance writer, popular speaker, recording artist and worship leader. Her oldest child has Down Syndrome and has taught her
to look for hidden miracles.
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Understanding Our Differences During Difficult Times
by Georgia Shaffer
"I refuse to sit around feeling sorry for myself. I need to be strong, and get on with my life," Sam said after losing a considerable amount of money.
After Allison's best friend was killed, she said, "I wanted to be left alone - to sort things out. But, my friends and family kept calling or stopping by unexpectedly."
"It's been five months since my husband died." Whitney sighed. "I feel so alone, and I think people have forgotten about me. If only someone would call or invite me out."
Despite a recent job loss, Jack stated, "Sure it's tough. But these things have a way of working out. Lately, I spend most of my time fishing."
Although each one of these four people encountered difficult and stress filled situations, their responses to their troubles were quite distinct. When we reach out to others during tragic times, it's important to recognize different personalities have different needs.
People with the Popular Sanguine personality are outgoing, fun-loving, and full of energy. They like attention, affection, and approval, which can be supplied by lots of visitors, flowers, cards, and calls. A simple note such as, "I'm looking forward to taking you to the new Italian restaurant" could brighten their day.
The opposite of the Popular Sanguine is the Perfect Melancholy. This is my personality, and I tend to be neat, meticulous, sensitive, and organized. While the extroverted Sanguine is recharged around people, the introverted Melancholy is energized by solitude. Something you could write on a card for your Melancholy friend might be, "You're in our prayers. May God's comfort and love surround you during this difficult time."
Powerful Cholerics are strong, dynamic, natural-born leaders. When life gets stressful Cholerics like choices that help them to regain a sense of control. They will pour themselves into their jobs, start a new project or exercise harder. A handwritten note for them might say, "We're cheering for you! If anyone can deal with this challenge it's you and the Lord." The Peaceful Phlegmatics are the easy-going, likeable, balanced people. Respect and a feeling of worth for who they are, rather than what they have done, is important to them. During stressful times, it is not unusual to find the Phlegmatic spacing out in front of the TV, taking a nap, reading, or fishing. Their personalized message could read, "Take care, get lots of rest and know we miss you." So, the next time you're confused about how to show concern for someone, try to identify their unique personality and use that understanding as a guide. For instance, would they prefer moments of light-hearted distraction in the midst of all their troubles? Or, do they need quiet moments to be alone and sort things through? Do they want a chance to work more or exercise longer? Or, would they prefer the opportunity to withdraw from life and rest? Caring enough to respond to their individual needs can be the difference between hurting and helping. CLASSEMINARS faculty member Georgia Shaffer
is a licensed psychologist, life coach, and the author of
How Not to Date a Loser:
A Guide to Making Smart Choices.
She writes and speaks frequently on the subjects of
relationships, dating, grief, and rebuilding after loss. *This article was adapted from A Gift of Mourning Glories:
Restoring Your Life After Loss, by Georgia Shaffer.
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Writing His Story
Through Fiction
by Golden Keyes Parsons What makes fiction Christian fiction? How can one cloak the gospel in a fiction genre, and why would one even want to do that? I began writing in the non-fiction venue. I am a Bible teacher by spiritual gifting. The natural outgrowth was that I wrote Bible studies, devotionals, general inspiration books and articles. Fortunately, several articles were picked up and published in slicks and compilations. Three of my books got into committee at three different publishers, but no contract. I received comments such as "good writing, but preachy;" "talented writer, but doesn't fit our publishing needs;" "good book, but we want an author who has a large national speaking platform." Very little of what the Lord had planted in my life was being published. One year at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, I attended a fiction class. The fiction bug bit me. What I heard demonstrated to me that the same principles I longed to share through my Bible studies and inspirational books might be more palatable written in a fiction genre. As Christian authors, we need to ask ourselves-whom do we wish to reach? Our personal holy huddle of friends and family? That's not necessarily bad, but some people we need to touch for the kingdom will never pick up an inspirational book or Bible study. However, they might pick up a novel. I find fiction much more difficult to write than non-fiction. Don't misunderstand me. I still enjoy good non-fiction, and would like to find a publisher for my non-fiction efforts. But to be able to unexpectedly touch a heart through a page-turning, inspiring, Christian novel excites me. In my opinion, the Christian fiction author doesn't need to spell out the plan of salvation in every book, or quote Scripture, or pray on every page to classify it as "Christian fiction." The Holy Spirit draws hearts to himself in many different ways. The Christian author's task is to write a quality story from a biblical world view that will stimulate the longing of a thirsty soul. Read any good Christian novels lately? CLASSEMINARS Faculty Member Golden Keyes Parsons is an author and CLASS Speaker who lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine. Her first novel, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," was released last fall, with the second book in the series, "Prisoner At Versailles"
due to be released in August '09. |
CLASS Faculty Member Publishes New Book!Raising Boys To Be Like Jesus ( Judson Press) "Early in my sons' lives, I asked myself, 'How can I raise my
boys to be godly individuals?' My logic was simple. If God could trust
them, I could trust them. If they were intent on pleasing God, I would
automatically be pleased with them as well... What better example to
point them to than Jesus Christ-the One whose total life involved
pleasing God?"
  Today's busy but concerned parents need simple, yet profound help
with raising well-balanced, spiritually healthy boys who will be
tomorrow's leaders in the home, church, and society.
As a high-school
vice-principal, teacher, and mother of three boys of her own, Sharon Norris Elliott exhorts parents and caregivers to choose Jesus as the
ultimate male role model for their sons. Tracing the Gospel stories of
Christ from infancy through ministry in Judea and Galilee and even to
death and resurrection, each chapter identifies a lesson to be gleaned
from Jesus' life.
Through Jesus' example, Norris Elliott offers parents sound advice for addressing tough topics including:
- facing temptation
- choosing to be a leader
- developing and maintaining healthy friendships
- relating to and respecting women
- handling money
"Step Aside" segments at the end of each chapter are designed to assist the reader in personalizing each principle.
Ideal for single moms looking for a male role model for their boys! Available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and JudsonPress.com. |
Meet the Board of Directors
 Florence Littauer, Founder - One of only a handful of women to have earned both
the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), and CPAE (Council of Peers
Award of Excellence) from the National Speakers Association. Florence
is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, and received an
honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Southwestern Adventist
University in Texas. A prolific writer, many of her books have sold
over 100,000 copies.
Gerry Wakeland, President - Gerry spent 25 years in corporate and/or non-profit
management, working for organizations such as Sheraton, PacTel
Cellular, and the Master Chorale of Orange County. Prior to her
position as Managing Director of CLASS, Gerry served as Women's
Ministry Director at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. In
addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Women's Ministry
Institute, she served as a consultant establishing women's programs,
leadership development, and revitalizing women's ministry organizations
for numerous churches throughout the US and Canada. She is excited to
take CLASSEMINARS to a higher level of excellence, through both the
development of new programs as well as the refinement of current ones.
 Betty Southard, Executive Vice President - Betty's experience as a Bible Study teacher, speaker, author
and Spiritual Director, plus her 27 years as a CLASSeminar trainer,
brings her expertise in the area of Spirituality to the CLASSEMINARS
board.
 Karen Porter, Vice President Marketing - The former VP of International Marketing for
a major food company, Karen owns kae Creative Solutions, a marketing resource
firm. Her more than 30 years of experience bring business and
marketing expertise to the CLASSEMINARS, INC board.
 Linda Jewell, Treasurer - With a Bachelors in Accounting, Linda worked 20 years as
a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Public Accountant. God
called her to write and later to serve as the Manager of Seminars for
eight years,
she is excited to see God grow CLASSEMINARS.
 Fred Southard - Fred Southard has been the CFO of the Crystal
Cathedral Ministries for 30 years. Prior to that he owned his own
business in Phoenix, AZ, and previously was the president of ARCOA, the
holding company for U-Haul. His area of expertise is finance.
 Robin Stanley - Along with her 25 years of professional ministry experience, including
9 years with Standard Publishing, Robin Stanley brings to the board a
passion to reflect God's heart as his ImageBearer. Robin operates o3-free, a ministry and consulting group.
 John Thurman - John has over 35 years of experience as small business
owner, ordained minister, ministry leader, and Licensed Clinical Mental
Health Counselor. In the very near future we will be adding four additional members to bring the total Board membership to twelve. It will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to govern the new CLASSEMINAR organization. As you see from their biographical sketches each one brings a unique set of gifts and experience to the Board. We are counting on them to share from this wisdom and experience as we strive to take the CLASSEMINAR programs to a new level.
Another new facet of leadership will be the International Advisory Board which will be chaired by Florence Littauer. These twelve high profile men and women with years of minsitry experience in many different areas will add value to our discussions and open doors for us as we pursue our goal of moving out into a more global ministry.
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Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself.
After you become a leader, success is about growing others.
- Jack Welch
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New Website is LIVE!
Our
Most Exciting News...
We are thrilled to announce the launch
of our new website...
CLASSEMINARS.ORG
Here's the link,
Please Visit:
www.CLASSEMINARS.org
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Upcoming Events:
CLASSeminar
Comes to:
HOUSTON
March 9 - 11
Grace Community Church
14505 Gulf Freeway
ALBUQUERQUE
June 8 - 10
Fellowship Christian
Reformed Church
4800 Indian School Rd., NE$450 Seminar Fee
Contact Gerry Wakeland
or call 702-882-0638
to register.
Scholarships available.
************* PERSONALITY WORKSHOPComes to:
HENDERSON,NV
April 27 - 29
Homewood Suites
10450 S. Eastern Ave.
$575 Seminar Fee
Contact Gerry Wakeland
or call 702-882-0638
to register.*************
COMING SOON:
CLASSeminars in
Southern California
Henderson,NV
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Kansas City, MO
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Coming Soon:
CLASSEMINARS
LIVE RADIO
CLASSEMINARS, INC.
will launch a
Live Radio Show,
Communicating with Power.
Communicating with Power radio brings together men and women of excellence under one platform to encourage and empower others across the globe to be the best in their family, business, and ministry.
Start Date: April 2
Times/Dates TBA
Watch the Communique'
for more detailed info.
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CLASS Speakers
Looking for a speaker for your next event?
Please contact
CLASS Speakers,
or call 702-882-0638.**********
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Call-Outs, Contests
& Opportunities:
Cup of Comfort
for Fathers seeks story submissions. Deadline: 4/1/2009.
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Puckett Browne Publishing wants true short stories. Been in prison? Know someone who has? Found salvation? Paying market.
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An innovative opportunity. Selected short fiction stories published as 1-hour audios. See criteria at Mind Wings Audio.
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Oatmeal Studios Greeting Cards wants humorous writers. For guidelines, visit Oatmeal Studios, or send SASE to Box 138W4, Rochester, VT 05767.
**********Chicken Soup for the Soul seeking story submissions: In Harm's Way - Honoring Our Military,A Book of Miracles,What I Learned From The Cat,What I Learned From The Dog,Deadlines 3/31/2009. True Love,Thanks Mom,Thanks Dad,Teachers,Deadlines 5/31/2009. All in the Family,Endurance Sports,Dieting and Fitness,Not Really Retired,Deadlines 6/30/2009. Head to Chicken Soup for details and submission guidelines.
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Carol Stratton seeks encouraging stories about moving (relocating). For information, contact Carol or visit changingzipcodes.com.
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CLASS Grad Sarah Goebel has formed an online community of women broadcasting their messages to 170 countries via the Internet. CLASS Grads are offered unlimited pre-recorded broadcast time on FaithWoW.TV $35/month + $99 setup fee. Limited time offer. For more info, click here.
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Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book AwardsDeadline: 5/1/2009
Writer's Digest
now accepting entries for the 17th Annual Self-Published Book Awards.
Don't miss your opportunity to enter the only competition exclusively
for self-published books. More than $17,000 in prizes. Register online.
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Writer's Digest Annual Writing CompetitionDeadline: 5/15/2009 Writer's Digest 78th Annual Writing Competition now accepting entries. More than $30,000 in cash and prizes. Compete and win in 10 categories. Click here for details.
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Call-Out to
Military MomsLinda Jewel is looking for stories, advice, tips and resources for a book she's writing for and about military moms. For more information, please e-mail Linda Jewel. **********
International Mystery Writer's FestivalAngie Awards Deadline: 8/30/2009 No entry fee. Nearly $20k in prizes. Discovering New Mysteries now accepting submissions of original plays, screenplays, teleplays, and short stories for both adult and youth audiences. Click here for details. |
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"CLASS"-ifieds
Roommate Wanted
for Personality Workshop in Henderson, NV, April.
Contact Esi Mathis.
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Books and training materials for Personality Trainers and Speakers available through CLASServices.
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CLASSEMINARS, INC.
Are you interested in equipping and empowering those in your church or community to become effective Christian communicators? Contact Karen Porterto learn how you can bring the CLASSeminar to your community. Logo design by
Right Hand Services. |
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