Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D., wants to help you get your spiritual and personal life in order. I recently spoke with her about her latest release Moments of Grace—A 2020 Devotional Planner.
Tell me about your book, Moments of Grace—A 2020 Devotional Planner.
Moments of Grace—A 2020 Devotional Planner is a combination devotional, calendar, planner, and prayer journal. My planner features a monthly devotional reading, a monthly calendar, a weekly scripture and prayer, a weekly scheduler, and a place to journal for the week.
Why did you decide to write it?
Truly, I set out to design a wall calendar with scriptures and journaling space. But after much prayer and conversation, God re-designed this book. And I love it. It combines all of my ideas in a way that promotes a consistent personal connection to God. I wanted something to go on the wall; God designed something for people to continually commune with Him.
What do you want readers to learn from it?
My favorite month in this devotional planner is February. February’s devotional reminds us that we are all made in God’s image and that all of the things people say about who we are is not as important as who God says we are. What I want people to learn from this devotional is that God is real. He is daily relevant in the activities of our lives, and truly loves us with everything He has. My devotionals are not so much stories of my life, but stories of the Word and how God wants to pour into our lives.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I have never understood, but I have always believed that my trials and heartbreak spoke into much of my poetry. I have always been convinced that my poetry and writings come straight from God’s whispers to my pen. But it is many times through my emotions that the words are most potent. As God evolved my writing into devotionals, I began to see my struggles connecting to God’s word and my journey with Him. The more I live and the more I write, I truly believe that my triumph and victories over my struggles are not about me, but they are every opportunity I have been given to share God and his love with others.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part of being an author is hearing God’s whispers and realizing that God is directing this path, even though I am not always sure what’s coming next. I must admit that not knowing is a little nerve-wracking, but like most of us, I’m still working on giving it all to God. Also, hearing people say that the devotionals touched them and expressing how much they connected to the message and prayers is always heartwarming. Each testimony is confirmation of God’s presence in my journey.
What’s the worst part of being an author?
LOL. One of the worst parts of being an author is planning and balance. I know all the right responses about planning so that you get all your tasks in. But life never adheres to the schedule. Another discomfort is the “wait;” the feeling I have when I realize that what I’ve written is not really final and I am waiting on God to give me the rest of the words. There is satisfaction in the feeling of “finish” when all the words materialize on the page. Thank you, Lord; Amen.
What’s next for Vernet Clemons Nettles?
God is really pouring His ideas in my head. Sometimes, I am afraid that I can’t get it all done. I believe I will be continuing with the devotional planners for a couple of years, then maybe create a compilation devotional. I am also exploring smaller themed devotionals for select audiences. And, I am jotting down notes for my next 30-day devotional, as well.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my second book and first devotional planner, Moments of Grace. This has been fun. I also want to share my first book with you as well. My first book, Why Should I Be Bound? Musings on a Journey with God is a 30-day devotional. This devotional focuses on reminding us that we do not have to be bound by our past, our hurt, or our mistakes. Jesus Christ is the way to salvation and forgiveness. God is unconditional love. We don’t have to be bound by our struggle.
Use my affiliate link to purchase Moments of Grace: A 2020 Devotional Planner and Why Should I Be Bound? Musings on a Journey with God.
Learn more about Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.:
Author website: VCNettles Inspirations and Letters, LLC https://www.vcnettlesinspirationsandlettersllc.com/
Daily prayer website: Another Day’s Journey—www.vcndailypray.com