Run on Water.wmv

God's Clock

I discovered a passion to write in seventh grade during an assignment in English class that forced us to choose a writing style--three-full pages of lead-filled jargon. I didn’t know how to do this nor did I want to do it, but I had a great teacher. Miss K told me to let my imagination take over and guide my pencil. I went home excited, as hero detective The Cause was born. A few days and an “A” later I found myself unable stop. I wrote a number of Cause stories and included all my friends. Writing allowed me to form new relationships. But when high school hit, girls became the focus and my stories were tossed into a box.

In 2005, I was frustrated and couldn’t find a good family devotional that worked in my house. During supper, I struggled through fake sounding devotions filled with sugar coated endings--I wanted more. I wanted my kids to experience something real. So I pulled out my trusty writing pencil and created something families could enjoy and learn from. Personal stories became the launch pad as I documented real-life adventures spanning from first-time sleepovers at friend’s houses, to time spent in the principal’s office, a crazy wedding day and adopting our two wonderful girls.

In December 2009, I was overjoyed to grip my completed book. My life story… written in such a way that could hopefully be used by other families, encouraging them to take a timeout each day and share around the dinner table, inciting memories of their own lives. My search for a publishing company began. Like most new authors, I thought this would be the easy part… God directed me to Christian Devotions Ministries and an adventure I did not expect.

I found this nice little site during my web search and decided it would look good in my book proposal to show that I had published some individual pieces. Christian Devotions has a “write for us” link and I was convinced I needed to utilize it. A week or so later, a sweet lady by the name of Cindy Sproles sent me a note saying she liked my story, but the writing needed some work. “Ok”, I thought. “I will see what she has to say.” She sent my story back drenched in red marks. Had this crazy lady rewritten my entire piece? Insulted that she didn’t think my work was ready for publication, I ignored her email and the site for 3-weeks.

But on New Years day of 2010, I received via email the devotions written by both Cindy and Eddie Jones, the co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. The devotions touched my heart and I had to send a note of encouragement. I wrote two sentences thanking them. Two hours later I had an invitation to join them on their radio show to share how I discovered their site. I contemplated for a while before finally decided this would be an opportunity to talk about my new book.

I joined them that night for the show, not knowing if I actually sounded good or not. Two hours later, I received another email from Cindy, inviting me to be the new voice for their radio show called Christian Devotions Speak UP! I was shocked! What was God doing to me? I’d written a book, not applied for a radio gig. After all, I had a job; I was a 20-year veteran chemist. I knew nothing about radio, absolutely nothing! But this was a God thing, not a Scott thing and a week later, I accepted the invitation to learn how to become a radio host. Four weeks later, I was hosting the show. The pay isn’t good, (zero) but the fringe benefits are priceless. I met great friends and professional writers and my mentor Cindy is helping me learn how to craft my writing, to make it tight. She encouraged me to submit a devotional from my book to the Blue Ridge Writers Conference writing contest. It was a shock and an honor to be surrounded by great writers and teachers and take first place in that contest.

The last six months I have been on a rollercoaster with God and I’m simply holding on as tight as I can! I don’t know what is in store next, but for now, I’m focused on putting the blog talk radio program Christian Devotions Speak UP! on top. I’m learning how to book great guests, operate software that allows me to take complete control of the show and speak with an air of confidence, which is one of the key things I learned attending Al Gansky’s class at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

I can’t speak enough about the Blue Mountain Writers Conference and the opportunities given to learn how to communicate God’s love with others effectively. Although I had already recorded about eight shows, Al’s class was insightful and has taught me a lot. In combination with that, James Watkins’ class was full of information on how to stay loose using humor. What great tools to utilize when communicating.

I would love to point viewers in the direction of Christian Devotions Ministries: www.christiandevotions.us It is not only the site that God led me to--helping me learn how to write, but has me on an adventure to grow the blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Each week I bring on a new guest who describes their way of spreading the word of Jesus Christ in a big way. All the episodes stream forever in the Speak UP link at the top of the web page and I pray that lives can be changed not only through this show, but to those who sign up to receive the devotions. The site is blessed with over 250 authors who share unique and excellent stories. Might you be the next to join this ministry with your God given talents? I dare you to see what God has in store by getting out of your personal comfort zone. It is scary, but it is good.

I reside in St. Johns, Michigan with a wonderful wife of eighteen years and five fantastic and spirit-filled kids who range from sixteen years of age to nine.

I rely heavily on God’s word to direct me in all I do and I hold James 1:13 close to my heart. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” There are always trials ahead, but it is how we react to them which paints a picture of whom and what we believe.