February 13, 2019

God-honoring Writing Tips by Wendy L. Macdonald



As Christians we are to honor God in all we do. As inspirational writers we are to honor God in all we write too. When we do this, our writing will glorify God and bless our readers.  I’d like to share some tips that have spurred me to write faithfully for Christ.

So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, 
do it all for the glory of God.
 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV




The first and most important tip is to spend time alone with God daily. I need privacy and silence, so I go to bed early and get up early. In order to do this, I rarely watch movies. Trying to have time alone with God later in the day doesn’t work because I’m rarely home alone. Even as I write the first draft for this, my grandson is napping nearby.

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
 in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
 Psalm 5:3 NIV



The second tip concerns quiet times too. They are more fruitful when I write my thoughts, prayers, and confessions in my journal. It keeps me alert to His still small voice. Honesty is an absolute policy when conversing with God. He knows what’s inside us, and it’s important for our spiritual growth if we allow His Light to shine into our soul so we become fully aware of our need to grow in each area of our Christian walk. This will overflow into authenticity in our writing. Authentic authors draw authentic readers.

Trust in him at all times, you people;
 pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
 Psalm 62:8 NIV



The third tip is to include daily Bible reading in our morning routine. I enjoy choosing a #VerseOfTheDay for my journal entry that I also use on my social media sites. My daily Bible reading time is the perfect opportunity to harvest a special Scripture to share on one of my nature pictures I’ve taken in our lovely Comox Valley. I post them on my Facebook page from Monday thru Saturday. These mini-daily-devotionals are intended to spur believers to walk with joyful hope in God.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
 Psalm 119:11 NIV



The forth tip is to meditate on Scriptures throughout the day, especially if we’re feeling extra stress from unusual life events. The past few months I’ve even been making up songs to soothe my soul when adrenaline flows. They are inspired by the verse of the day and enable me to focus on whatsoever is godly.

Blessed is the one...whose delight is in the law of the LORD, 
who meditates on his law day and night. 
Psalm 1:1-2 NIV



The fifth God-honouring writing tip is to pay attention to tears. I’ve already shared a six-minute podcast called: Tapping into Tears that you may listen to at HopeStreamRadio.com. It’s a wonderful way to discover poignant topics to write about. If the author is deeply touched by a piece, the reader will also be moved. I believe the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts to pay closer attention to something by drawing tears. Tears are seeds that grow into short inspirational memoir pieces when planted on a blank page. It’s fun—and oh so rewarding—to show up and write while tears are present. Being vulnerable on the page helps other engage better because it lets them know they’re not alone.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 
Psalm 126:5 NIV

I’m nosey-to-know if any of my tips have inspired you.

Blessings ~ Wendy Mac 

Wendy L. Macdonald is an inspirational blogger and podcaster who loves to photograph nature on Vancouver Island. Her byline is: “My faith is not shallow because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” Her main website is wendylmacdonald.com where she enjoys interacting with readers.
   

8 comments:

  1. Such valuable writing and living tips, Wendy. You are a good example to all of us.

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    1. Thank you, dear Sharon. Your recent post is an especially poignant and powerful example of inspirational writing.
      Happy Valentine's Day! xo
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  2. Hi Wendy! Thank you for this reminder of staying close to God and His Word as we live and write. Your fifth point is poignant yet precious to our writer hearts.

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    1. Thank you, Alan. After writing this post, I was pleased to stumble upon this quote: Frederick Buechner- "Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay closest attention. They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go next."
      Here's a link: http://www.frederickbuechner.com/listening-to-your-life
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  3. Thank you for the link Wendy. When I worked in healthcare as a chaplain it was common to witness messages of tears. It was always moving especially elder Christiand talked about faith and family. Those I came alongside who were drifting into dementia often couldn't explain their tears. They did, however, never lose their love for the Lord. I felt honoured to witness tears as a gift.

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    1. I agree the witnessing of tears is an honour, a gift. The people you spoke with were blessed with the safe space you gifted them.

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  4. You've shared some valuable tips for living and writing. I love how you've paired your selection of verses with your beautiful photos. They draw me in.

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    1. Thank you, dear Brenda. Your blog is lovely; I enjoyed seeing the garden pictures you posted from your trip to Britain. I crave flowers in February.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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