Girl Talk . . . God Talk

Sunday, January 27, 2008

love

CREDO
What Do You Believe?

love

Cheri and I sent a crazy fiction proposal to a rather large Christian publisher several seasons ago. The editor we contacted was interested/intrigued in our out-of-the-box, slightly-unorthodox ideas (at least enough to ask for sample chapters). Still, we got the message that the guy was a little freaked out by our exceedingly grace-laced ideals when he asked us to e-mail our 'Statement of Faith.' After giggling a little; we created a modern paraphrase of the Apostle's Creed and sent it sailing through cyber-space.

I'd be remiss not to mention that though the editor's request kinda ticked me off in the moment. Today, I can fully understand his druthers. He had a reputation to uphold, the name of a reputable publishing house to protect. All he needed was a couple of insane stay-at-home-mamas to mess that all up with their loony imaginations!

Regardless of our solid barrings in the faith, our deeply dug Evangelical roots, our regurgitation of the Apostle's Creed, our distinctly Christian education from Wheaton College, and what we thought was a great idea; the manuscript didn't get picked up.

That's O.K.

My only regret is that we didn't have the poem I wrote this morning in church (during a kinda dry sermon) to send in lieu of our 'Statement of Faith.' Somehow, in a strange way and even though I completely embrace the Apostle's Creed, I think the poem is my truest Soul's Credo:

I Believe

I believe in Story, in stars, green grass & rain,

I believe in autumn leaves and natives on the plain

I believe in football games on Sunday & in my yard,

And milk-up-the-nose laughing that spurts out long & hard

I believe in arcs & whales & bread from bright blue sky

In caterpillars that get wings just after they die

I believe in Goldilocks & Three Bears in their den

I believe in One True Myth that died and rose again

Have you ever taken a moment to consider what you believe in the deepest, craziest, most honest, imaginative corner of your soul? If you have - and you're willing to share - post your thoughts here & I'll add them to my blog. Thanks!

Here, I'll get you started: I BELIEVE . . .

1 comment:

Sally Miller said...: My Friend, Beth, wrote her CREDO and posted it under the SNOW DAY post on Feb 3, 2008. It was so good that I didn't want anyone to miss it. So, here it is again:

Inspired by Sally's poem, I wrote this reflecting my struggle with feeling like I have to earn God's love. I also wrote this during a sermon, and when I showed it to my husband, he drew a big cross with his finger over the words, which is what I imagine God doing.

I believe in black and white,
Truth and justice, wrong and right.
The way things were, always will be.
Traditions, predictability.

I believe in talking straight,
Clearly â€“ I donâ€™t like to wait.
I believe in thick straight lines,
Making plans right on time.

I believe that there are rules,
Making Aâ€™s just like in school.
If you donâ€™t pass, then you fail.
Stay on track lest you derail.

I believe in making hay.
Striving, I must earn my way.
Trying hard His love to win
So on that Day Heâ€™ll let me in.; 4:00 PM

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BIO

Sally Miller has degrees from Wheaton College and Northwestern University. She's a sought after speaker and retreat facilitator. Her poetry and prose have appeared in various magazines including Today's Christian Woman. Sally's retreats and radio appearances are based on her bevy of books including: Girl Talk . . . God Talk and Walk with Me, a work co-authored with dear friend Cheri Mueller. Currently Sally writes a column for AdoptionTODAY magazine, edits poetry for The Christian Communicator, speaks at writers' workshops; and she is working on her latest book, a piece of fiction for women.

SPEAKER INFORMATION

GIRL TALK WITH SALLY MILLER
If you’re looking for honest, hilarious, heart-warming girl talk for your next women’s gathering; consider inviting award-winning author and speaker, Sally Miller. Sally is passionate about sharing her stories of faith & friendship with other women. She believes that,"As we walk together, quilt, study, dance, talk on the phone, sing, paint, drink coffee, laugh, do laundry and take in sunsets, we can discover that all of life is prayer."

KEYNOTING AND RETREATS FOR WOMEN
GIRL TALK . . . GOD TALK: What Your Friends Can Teach You About Prayer
Be encouraged to see prayer as an intimate, imaginative conversation instead of dull, dark, drudgery. Discover innovative, practical ways to bring joy into your prayer life based on seeing conversations with God through the lens of friendship.

SOUL SISTERS: The Art of Growing Spiritual Friends
In a conference based on the colorful and creative book Sally co-authored with friend and fellow writer, Cheri Mueller; realize the surprising ways everyday friendship is deeply holy. Through stories, a Friendship Quiz, and other somewhat crazy activities, learn how to grow more deeply in your relationships with other women and with Christ. (This topic works particularly well for community-building retreats!)

OTHER POPULAR TOPICS
Sally has a variety of other speaker offerings available. Including A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH GOD'S WORD, an offering using our friendships to demystify and personalize the reading of scripture (popular for luncheons, evening events or weekend retreats).

MOPS and other mom’s gatherings enjoy Sally’s 1 hour seminars. One is titled, ADOPTION: Enlarging Hearts & Homes. (Sally’s material may be adapted to meet the unique needs of your group, too!)

If your bookclub uses one of Sally's books, and you've collected questions and comments for her; she also offers GIRL TALK with the Author (over the phone for long distance groups or in person if your group meets in the Chicagoland area).

BOOK NOTES
Sally has written a handful of inspirational books for women. Currently she's completing a piece of creative nonfiction titled GOD'S GIRLS: Women Who've Experienced Divine Love & How You Can, Too; and beginning work on a piece of fiction titled, FAITH WILL BRING YOU LOVE.

She has also written THE BIBLE IS A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND: Experiencing a Fresh Encounter with God's Word (Harvest House, 2007), and GIRL TALK . . . GOD TALK: What Your Friends Can Teach You About Prayer (Harvest House, 2006).

Sally, along with long time friend, Cheri Mueller, authored a duet of books including, WALK WITH ME: Two Friends On A Spiritual Journey (FaithWalk 2005), winner of the Writers in the Spirit award, and PLAY WITH ME: Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey with Kids (FaithWalk 2006).

Sally’s poetry and prose, as well as a seasonal column, have been featured in various magazines including TODAY‘S Christian Woman. She has also been the guest of radio broadcasts such as Midday Connection.

In all of her writings, and speaking engagements, Sally is inspired by the fact that Jesus and his twelve, stinky fishermen friends probably spent more time at the beach than they did at the synagogue, more time in the homes of friends than at an altar.

TESTIMONIALS
Sally’s stories are lovely, touching and so connecting. Through the girlfriend stories she made me think of the girlfriends I have who pray for me on days I need it badly and on ordinary days.
- Connie Anderson, CASI Publishing

Sally Miller does a very nice job of mixing the value of girlfriends and your prayer life together.
-Armchair Reviews

The energy in this narrative of a friendship is contagious! As Miller and Mueller tell their stories and their story the writing shimmers with the individuality of each and the companionship of each other. This is a relationship well-earned and chronicled with love.
-Luci Shaw, Author

Starbucks-drinking, Levi-wearing, word-loving, munchkin-rearing, artsy-fartsy, faith-filled friends is how the authors describe themselves in the introduction to Walk with Me: Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey. In their guileless prose, they prove that it is possible to be both deeply religious and totally approachable.
- Katie Klein, ForeWord Magazine

SPEAKING OFFERINGS
(fees for the following avaliable upon request)
1 Hour of Keynote Speaking (ideal for luncheons, teas, dinners or other brief events)
Includes telephone consultations with facilitator, book table and signing, interaction with guests

2 Day Retreat with Three, 1-hour Speaking Sessions
Includes telephone consultations with facilitator, book table and signings after each session, interaction with women, prayer, optional special music

3 Day Retreat with Four, 1-hour Speaking Sessions
Includes telephone consultations with facilitator, book table and signings after each session, interaction with women, prayer, optional special music

Please note: phone consultations are complimentary. Any additional meetings are billed hourly.
Thank you!

For more information, or to book Sally Miller for your event, please write Julie MacManus, Public Relations Assistant, jmacmanus@tx.rr.com
Or call Julie at (972)679-1655.

Sally Miller
Author, Speaker, Retreat Facilitator
sallymiller@ameritech.net
Meeting God in Unexpected, Everyday Places

WRITING WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS

Sally also offers a plethora of CREATIVE WRITING COURSES and WRITING RETREATS including:

-Poema: Informing Your Life & Your Writing through Verse
-Techniques & Exercises for Writing Compelling Creative Nonfiction
-What Does it Take to be a Successful Co-Author?
-Five Steps to Getting Your Work Published
-Soul Scribbles: A Healing Writing Retreat for Women

The material may be adapted for the needs and time constraints of your unique group.

For more information, please contact Julie MacManus, Public Relations Assistant: jmacmanus@tx.rr.com, via phone, (972)679-1655. Or write sallymiller@ameritech.net.

Girl Talk . . . God Talk

Sunday, January 27, 2008

1 comment:

Sally Miller

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