Colleen Scheid's Blog, page 2

When the Setting Writes the Novel

Fifth of 10 Reasons I Wrote, “Someone They Can Trust” I have a love-hate relationship with my neighborhood, which is also the setting for my new novel. We moved here to be near downtown, be near our church, and be present in an urban neighborhood that was struggling. We figured that at the very least, … Continue reading When the Setting Writes the Novel

Diverse Churches Needed

Fourth of 10 Reasons I Wrote, “Someone They Can Trust” “Someone You Can Trust”, my new novel, releases on Amazon on May 23. For more information, subscribe to the author email at the bottom of this post. In the novel, “Someone They Can Trust”, black people and white people go to church together, pray together … Continue reading Diverse Churches Needed

10 Reasons I Wrote, “Someone They Can Trust”:

3. Church, We Have a Problem “Someone You Can Trust”, my new novel, releases on Amazon on May 23. For more information, subscribe to the author email at the bottom of this post. The novel I recently finished, “Someone They Can Trust”, takes place in a church a lot like mine, in a neighborhood a … Continue reading 10 Reasons I Wrote, “Someone They Can Trust”:

God Heals People, Really

Second of 10 Reasons I Wrote “Someone You Can Trust”: “Someone You Can Trust”, my new novel, releases on Amazon on May 23. For more information, subscribe to the author email at the bottom of this post. A psychologist in my writer’s group read some passages in my latest novel and said, “This is the … Continue reading God Heals People, Really

10 Reasons I Wrote “Someone They Can Trust”

“Someone They Can Trust” is new novel releasing on Amazon on May 23. For more information, subscribe to my author email list at the end of this post… 1. We Need to Fix What’s Broken: It’s funny how something can be simmering in you and you don’t know it until you start writing. I didn’t … Continue reading 10 Reasons I Wrote “Someone They Can Trust”

The 15-Second Rule and Other Stunning Revelations from my Small Group

I recall talking to my husband one night after everyone else had gone home after our small group meeting. I was frustrated. “There are three people who hardly say anything,” I complained. “Why don’t they talk?” There was a meaningful pause, then Bill said, “They don’t get a chance.” Defensiveness stirred in me, painful self … Continue reading The 15-Second Rule and Other Stunning Revelations from my Small Group

3 Tips to Avoid Distaster While Leading a Church Small Group

5th in a Series on Why to Join a Small Group Ok, maybe disaster is too strong a word. Call it extreme discomfort, stinging regret, and probable loss of relationship. When people seek out a church small group for growth and support, they’re acting on a need for good relationships, so it’s doubly disappointing when … Continue reading 3 Tips to Avoid Distaster While Leading a Church Small Group

A Great Holiday Gift to Yourself – Join a Small Group

Fourth in a Series on Why to Join a Small Group The span of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas brings out the best and the worst in us. One minute, we’re selflessly loading up groceries for families in need, the next – snapping at store clerks for making us wait too long in line. One … Continue reading A Great Holiday Gift to Yourself – Join a Small Group

How Love Can Win Over Political Outrage

Third in a Series on Why to Join a Small Group The recent election led me to reflect on the odd reality that my Christian small group, my most intimate friend group, is full of people on the other side of the political fence from me. How can this be? Two reasons, I think. One … Continue reading How Love Can Win Over Political Outrage

A Great Partner isn’t Enough for a Great Life

Second in a series on why to join a small group In 1994, the year after we got married, my husband and I started a Christian small group. We’re still in the same group. Here’s why: I was 32 when we decided to invite some friends to a weekly evening gathering, where we’d do a … Continue reading A Great Partner isn’t Enough for a Great Life