January 31, 2023

God's Attributes lead us to Adoration ~ Mary Folkerts


 

When we come before the Almighty 

In prayer

Isn't it absurd how much 

We talk about 

ourselves?


Dear Lord

Like a salutation 

Please bless

Please protect

Please help

Please heal

Please 

Please

Please 


In Jesus' name, like

The conclusion 

Until the next time we are 

In need. 


What comes to mind when you think of prayer? Is it the quick "help me!" when you're in a bind or before an exam? Is it a last-ditch effort when you come to the end of yourself? Do we contemplate who we are addressing in our prayers?


Too often, our prayers are stuck in petition. We need things we can't accomplish ourselves, so we go to a higher power hoping that God will hear us and give us our desires. But prayer is much more than asking God to grant us our wishes. Prayer is communication with God. 


It amazes me that the God of the universe desires to communicate with us. He wants us to quiet ourselves and contemplate who He is. Contemplate that He, the Artist of the skies, the One who calls the tiny shoots of green to stretch for the sun, the One who showed Himself faithful to Biblical giants like King David, Esther, Moses and Mary; that He, the same God, desires to sit with me. As we become more aware of who He is, that awareness will flow onto the pages we write.


Why are contemplation and adoration of God vital for my spiritual health? God is not egotistical, needing my praise, but rather, He knows that when I contemplate His attributes, I cannot stay the same. 


Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of God. How would our prayers change if we focused more on who God is than on what we need? How could it affect the words we pen on paper? 


God, our heavenly Father, is:

  • Infinite-without beginning and without end
  • Immutable- he never changes 
  • Omnipotent- all-powerful
  • Omniscient-all knowing
  • Omnipresent- everywhere, all the time
  • All wise- perfect wisdom 
  • Always faithful - never changes 
  • Unchangingly good 
  • He is just - right and perfect in all he does
  • Merciful -compassionate, long-suffering 
  • Gracious 
  • Loving - his love never fails
  • Holy- always perfect
  • Sovereign- reigns overall 


My contemplative prayer of adoration to God will change me. It will change the prayers I bring, my neediness, and my demanding, selfish heart. As I sing my praise to Him, I become less, and He becomes more. My worries and fears peel away as my faith and trust grow in the Ancient of Days. In adoration, my forgetful heart is reminded of who He is and His faithfulness to me. 


Lord Almighty, when I come

before you in prayer

let me come  

with a quiet

steady 

heart 

Let's talk about 

You 

and all the 

ways 

You have been 

faithful.


Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalms 46:10




Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member and is involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s personal blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the small things https://maryfolkerts.com/  

January 27, 2023

Let's Talk Books (Rooms of Their Own) by Brenda Leyland

 

 
TITLE: Rooms of Their Own, Where Great Writers Write
AUTHOR: Alex Johnson
ILLUSTRATOR: James Oses
PUBLISHER: Frances Lincoln, London (UK), 2022
HARDCOVER: 192 pages, $29.99CAN Amazon.ca
KINDLE: $17.32CAN Amazon.ca
SUBJECT: author biography, creativity, work spaces
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

"Any spot is good for daydreaming so long as
it is in an obscure corner and the horizon is vast."
Victor Hugo


I was immediately drawn to that enchanting illustration on the front cover of Rooms of Their Own, Where Great Writers Write. I wanted to be there—sitting at that desk with its familiar old typewriter in front of that lovely window.* With the click of a button, the book was added to my shopping cart.

In his collection of fifty well-known authors, Alex Johnson focuses on the writing spaces where these famous people worked. He researched details that pique our curiosity of the writers behind the books, transporting us 'to the heart of their writing rooms'. Bios at the backs of novels are usually so brief, there is no way to get a feel of the person who wrote them. Alex Johnson, with well chosen particulars, fills in the blanks for us.

I love these kinds of books. They give me a sense of connection to the individuals who wrote the works that inspire me. I love to envision what they place around themselves, what items spur them on, what they do to keep creativity flowing. Sometimes I'm inspired to try something in my own writing space. Maybe like doing what Michel de Montaigne did: writing his motivational quotes directly on the walls, well, he actually had his quotes on the ceiling above his head.

Margaret Atwood writes her novels wherever she happens to be - in a plane, at a café, lying on her bed. Maya Angelou often booked into a quiet hotel to write. D.H. Lawrence considered the outdoors amongst the trees his writing room. And E.B. White spun out his tales from his writing shed on Allen Cove, Maine, sharing his sea-facing spartan room with a mouse and a squirrel. So many others I wish I had time to tell you about, include authors like: Isabel Allende, W.H. Auden, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, Hilary Mantel, Dylan Thomas, William Wordsworth, to name a few.

The engaging essays in this book are paired with some wonderful sketches done by illustrator James Oses. With his pencils and paints he gives us charming glimpses of the rooms and spaces where the authors worked. Below is one picture that caught my eye; I actually got to visit this writing room several years ago.  
 
 Vita Sackville-West's writing room 

My husband and I, during our trip to England, visited Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens where well known gardener and author Vita Sackville-West once lived. Her gardens were breathtaking, but the place that most intrigued me was her writing room in the tower overlooking the gardens. She'd climb the narrow stairwell to this room where she created a wonderful place in which to write her novels and garden books. Something about standing in that space made me feel alive, a little in awe, certainly inspired—as I saw her books on the shelf, her chosen pictures on the wall, and how her things were arranged for her comfort and use.

If I had a bucket list, it would include visits to other famous or not so famous work studios of creators I admire, people like Charlotte BrontĂ«, Emily Dickinson, Beatrix Potter, and Mark Twain. And, yes, their writing rooms are included in this collection. In the meantime, I am savouring this book. And I happily recommend Rooms of Their Own to you. 

Alex Johnson, author of several other books, is also a journalist and blogger. He is married with three children and lives in Herfordshire, UK. You can read more about him HERE.

James Oses is a London based illustrator 'specialising in drawing and painting from life'. You can learn more about him HERE.

*Note: The illustration on the front cover (top) is Sylvia Plath's writing room at Court Green in North Tawton, Devon.



Inspired by the beauty of God's world around her, Brenda Leyland writes from her home in northerly Alberta, Canada. She loves writing on her blog It's A Beautiful Life and occasionally posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


January 26, 2023

A is for the Armor of God - Gloria Guest

 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." *

I've had those verses taped to my bedroom mirror for a couple of years now, although admit to only glancing at them a few times. Lately though, God has nudged me to look at them closer, and so I've meditated on it more. 

I was going to  title this blog, A is for Attack, and then another nudge suggested to me that perhaps I should instead write about the best way to deal with an attack...which is by putting on the Whole Armor of God. And so I share the following verses of the same passage.

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." *

Although those verses are talking about our daily lives as a Christian, they also so aptly apply to our written words. How am I supposed to write authentically, vulnerably, truthfully and courageously if I go into it unprepared? I won't. My writing will either fall flat as to what God had intended for it, failing to reach hearts, or perhaps I will be unprepared for an all-out attack, and give up altogether.

That is what actually happened to me late last fall. It came out of the blue, and the words used to attack my writing, hit like bullets. I can handle critique. I can do something with critique, even if I disagree with it. But these words were jeering and character bashing and to make it worse, they came from people I had trusted, people in my close circle. For a writer to publish their words, it takes strength and vulnerability. I don't often publish. Honestly, I rarely publish. And so this attack came as a crushing blow. I phoned a few friends/family members and cried and said something like, "I'm never publishing anything again." They of course encouraged me not to give up, but at the time I could see no other option. Even this blog is a leap of faith as I skipped over two of them since this event took place. But here it is. Another nudge from God.

 I look at the armor I am to wear and am encouraged and challenged all at once. So much to put on! Yet, if I do....then that means I'll be protected by the very One who calls me to write. This doesn't mean an attack won't come. It just means, I'll be prepared and can fight off the plans of the wicked one who desires that I don't publish anything, to try to reach others.

This is the armor I am to wear daily and every time I attempt to write anything:

-WAIST GIRDED WITH TRUTH - Where have I been listening to lies, rather than the truth about my writing? Where have I maybe spoken lies (about anything at all) in my writing? Am I careful when wielding my words?

-BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS- Righteousness only comes from God. Am I using this piece of armor to protect the enemy from attacking my weaknesses? Or am I leaving myself exposed with my own, bare, human efforts?

-FEET SHOD WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE - Do I aim for peace first of all in a conflict? Do I walk it out? 

SHIELD OF FAITH TO QUENCH ALL THE FIREY DARTS OF THE WICKED ONE - Do I allow my faith in God to be greater than those darts fired towards my heart, or do I instead allow them to sink in and fester?

HELMET OF SALVATION & SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD - Basically when our head (mind) is not protected, nothing is protected. Do I wear my helmet daily and take up the sword which God has given me (spiritual warfare) to fight off the enemy? Scripture needs to be planted in my heart so that during those crisis moments it is automatically there as a protection.

Finally, we are told to pray and be watchful, with perseverance. It all sounds like such a tall order, but just as a soldier puts on his armor one piece at a time, we too take up our armor piece by piece as we don it each day. 

I happen to be a military mom to a son who is a Sargant in the Canadian Army. Over the years I've been privileged to watch him grow in character and discipline, along with physical strength and prowess. It has all taken him much discipline and perseverance. His reward is that he's risen in the ranks and has become an Instructor, but more importantly, if he faces conflict, he will be much more prepared (and can help prepare others) than if he hadn't applied himself so well. I love how God uses the example of putting on our armor like a soldier, in our daily Christian lives. It's the only way to live with wisdom and it's the only way to be a Christian writer seeking to give my all for God's purposes.

Soldier On.

*Ephesians 6: 12-18 NKJV




 

 

Gloria writes from her little house on the prairies in Caron, Sk; where she lives with her husband (when he's not on the road trucking) and her cat Tigger (who lives up to his name). She doesn't like to be 'attacked' over her writing, but will gladly take careful critique where needed. If attacked again though - she plans to have her armor on and ready.

Next to being a wife, mother, grandmother, writing is her calling, whether she writes much or little, or whether she publishes or not. 

January 25, 2023

Finding the Auspicious in the Average ~ Guest Post by Ruth Smith Meyer

 


Finding the Auspicious in the Average

The average—

common, 

humdrum,

mediocre,

normal, 

usual. 

Then the avid author

takes a closer look—

In each nugget of 

average 

discovery is made— 

awe-inspiring 

axiom.

The auspicious—

The encouraging, 

favourable, 

golden, 

good, 

happy 

and hopeful.

Thus ascertained,

One assumes 

a different approach, 

adapts to 

a new acceptance 

and gives assent to 

new actuality. 

An amazing anecdote is born. 




Ruth Smith Meyer lives in her little house in the fairy-tale town of Ailsa Craig, Ont. Widowed twice, she finds comfort and companionship in her writing. She is part of a writers’ group that keeps her focused. She invites readers to visit her Facebook page: Smith Meyer Books 




January 24, 2023

The Aroma of Our Words ~ Valerie Ronald


 

The first time I worked with a new colleague, she asked me if I was wearing a certain brand of perfume. Having used it for many years, I hardly noticed its scent anymore, yet she identified it instantly as the perfume her mother always wore. A slight whiff evoked pleasant thoughts of someone she loved. The scientific explanation for why we associate memories so strongly with certain smells is an aside to what we know from personal experience. For me, the mouth-watering aroma of apples, cinnamon and pastry takes me back to my grandmother baking pies in her farm kitchen, or the strong odor of diesel fuel conjures up visits to the naval ship on which my father served.

So what does the word aroma have to do with our calling as writers? The apostle Paul uses the analogy of a pleasant smell to describe how the presence of Christ in us is conveyed to those around us.

As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us. (2 Cor. 2:15 TLB)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Eph. 5:1-2 NAS)

As writers belonging to Jesus Christ, we are privileged to share the fragrant aroma of our Savior through our words. A pleasing fragrance is an invisible entity drawing those who experience it closer to its source. Our Father God leans near to breathe in the sweet savor of Christ emanating from how we live and what we write. He looks for the essence of Christ within us, rising as incense to those who are believers and to those searching for hope. By His Spirit He uses each of our unique writing voices, attracting readers to want to know more about His Son.

Paul’s analogy of Christ as a fragrance in our lives fits well with the way smell evokes memory. How often has someone asked you why you live as you do, or commented that there is something different about you? I surmise that as we walk and write in love, as imitators of God, the aroma of Him we carry with us stirs up memories in the people we touch. For those outside of faith, it is a primal memory of life before the Fall, deeply buried in every human. For some who have wandered from God, it is a bittersweet memory of what it once was like to be close to Him. And for our spiritual brothers and sisters, the fresh scent of Christ reminds them of how much He loves them.

Our words are not just marks on a page, they can be redolent with the essence of Jesus Christ. Whether stated overtly or communicated through value statements or narrative, the aroma of our Savior conveyed in our writing can effect life-giving change in all who breathe Him in. 


More of Valerie's work can be read on her blog:

https://scriptordeus.wordpress.com/





January 23, 2023

A is for Audacious, by Lorrie Orr

 

An audacious amaryllis

audacious: adjective

     intrepidly daring: adventurous
     recklessly bold: brash
     marked by originality and verve

"Writing makes a person very vulnerable. It opens you to public criticism, to ridicule, to rejection. But it also opens conversation and thought. It stirs minds, and touches hearts. It brings us into contact with our souls. So how can it possibly be a waste of time, an idle act, a mistake, a betrayal of truth? Who can possibly tell us not to do it?"
Joan Chittister
Order of Saint Benedict
                         

Anyone who writes demonstrates a degree of audacity and boldness, for all the reasons Joan lists in her words above. It takes courage to think of oneself as a writer, and even more boldness to admit to writing if one is not a Louise Penny or Adam Gopnik. People ask questions we might not want to answer, or even know how to answer. 

Still, we write because it's what we do. Writing is part of our DNA, much more important than publishing. To become a better writer, here are some ideas for adding a little audacity to your writing life:

1. Get out of your own way. It's easy to become self-conscious about writing, always second-guessing, wondering if someone we know won't approve. If God has given you words, use them to his honour with your best ability. Ask for release from what holds you back.

2. Failure is more interesting than success. In telling stories, being they memoir, fiction, or anecdotes in an essay, having characters who struggle and strive for what they want helps readers relate more closely, for we all struggle in some way. 

3. Set audacious goals for yourself. Canadian comedian Jim Carrey grew up in a working class environment in Ontario where there was no money for education. He worked on his routines little by little. In 1985 Jim Carrey wrote himself a $10-million cheque and placed it in his wallet as a goal to work towards. Ten years later, in 1995, he signed a contract for Dumb and Dumber in the amount of $10-million. Coincidence? No. He set an audacious goal and worked towards it. 



Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island where she enjoys boating and hiking with her husband. Gardening, sewing, reading, and spending time with her five grandchildren fill her days with happiness and contentment. She is newly retired from teaching high school Spanish. 



January 20, 2023

A is for Authenticity - by Tracy Krauss

Authenticity is something I strive for in my writing, so this month's "A" theme was an easy choice.  I've noticed, however, that "Authentic" is a trendy word that has lost some of its meaning in recent years because of overuse. What does it really mean to write authentically?

For me, authenticity means writing from a place of passion, not necessarily following the latest trend. While we need to be mindful of our audience, readers can tell when you are writing from a place of passion. Our stories are more than the sum of their parts.  

It also means knowing your purpose. What motivates you to write? Follow that call. I've discovered that I want to minister to people, even through my fiction. God's grace is a recurring theme. It's why most of my work has a strong redemptive message. 

Some of my fiction has been called "edgy" although I think that term is becoming a bit dated. I prefer "authentic" in that I try to create characters and situations that are true to life. In other words, they are flawed and therefore don't always behave in the way they should, which leads directly back to the need for God's grace and redemption. Authenticity should also come through in their dialogue. Real people don't always speak the way they do in books or movies. Keeping the dialogue authentic is very important. 

I can't help but think of Polonius's advice in Hamlet, where he advises his son, "To thine own self be true." In other words, dare to follow your own call and conscience when it comes to your writing. 


Tracy Krauss writes from her home in northern BC. Visit tracykrauss.com for more

January 19, 2023

Fun in Anticipation by Alan Anderson

 


Anticipation = “the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence.” — Merriam-Webster Dictionary online.

 

Anticipation in Writing                      

 

When I am writing a poem, the anticipation is accompanied by great excitement. This excitement is like being part of a wonderful adventure. In fact, even the words in my head become excited. There are so many words to choose from and they all want to be included in a poem. I am sure at least a few of them are disappointed they are not chosen.

 

 

When I first come up with an idea for a poem, I become restless. I might need to go for a walk or play with my dog or do both. I talk to myself and if I’m in a coffee shop, I whisper so no one hears me. Sounds odd, right? Okay, I’ll come clean with you. By talking to myself, I am in conversation with the words in my head. Yes, I agree, this is indeed beginning to sound even more odd. Guess what? This conversation works. 

 

 

Please allow me to give an example of what I mean in what I say in the previous paragraphs. In between writing this post, I am working on a poem. The theme of the poem is serious therefore, the words must work well together and get along. I call the poem, “Stranger Dance.”

 



 

An Exercise in Anticipation

 

Here is an excerpt from “Stranger Dance,” to give you an idea of what you might expect for the rest of the poem.

  

Stranger Dance

By Alan Anderson

 

Many of us walk by each other,

Without a glance,

 A stranger dance.

Two-stepped every day,

Seems we like it this way,

  

A stranger dance is without romance,

Cold, distant existence,

Where people go through the motions,

Only pretend to care,

Yet put up a wall of resistance.

 

 

When I began “Stranger Dance,” I had a specific reason for its tone. I also gave a lot of thought to the context of the poem. The context is taken from my perspective of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected people in a negative manner. This poem is a work in progress and its ending is an act of anticipation how it will turn out.

 

 

I thought of a fun way readers may contribute to the poem. What do you expect the rest of the poem will be? Until this post goes live, I will not develop it to its conclusion. I want to give you readers a role in the anticipation of how “Stranger Dance” will end. Think about it. Feel free to comment on how the rest of the poem may go. Listen to all the excitement of the words in your head and go for it!




 

 

Alan lives in Deroche, B.C. with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope Publishing, 2017; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers Publishing, 2018; Easter Stories & More by InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship, 2021. He is currently working on a book expressing the grief of grieving grandparents entitled “Hidden Poetic Voices: A Reflective Work of Grief, Faith, and Poetry.” Alan periodically writes articles for FellowScript Magazine. He has written posts for our InScribe blog since 2015. Blog: https://scarredjoy.ca.

January 18, 2023

A is for Abundance by Marcia Lee Laycock

 


 

Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash


“I wish I had more money.” My friend gave a long sigh.

“Me too,” I responded. Watching my bank account dwindle after publishing my last book, Merrigold’s Very Best Home, has left me despairing of ever being able to produce a second one in the series I have imagined. Yes, a sizeable money tree growing in my back yard would certainly be nice.

“But not all things are helpful,” as 1 Corinthians 6:12 says. The apostle is talking about sexual immorality in that passage, but perhaps the principle can be applied to other areas of life.

Dictionary.com defines abundance this way:

1.  1-  an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply.

2.   2- overflowing fullness: an abundance of the heart.

 

Usually, when we hear the word abundance, we think of #1. But consider that second definition. Overflowing fullness. That implies more than physical wealth. It implies a deep contentment, an “abundance of the heart” that does not depend on the size of our bank accounts or the possessions we can list in our assets column, or the number of published books on our shelf.

Perhaps wealth would, indeed, be a detriment to the true wealth we seek in the deepest parts of our being.

According to scripture, there is only one way to achieve such abundance. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

Those who spout prosperity theology would twist that scripture to mean that God will make you rich when you become a believer in Christ. All you have to do is look at the lives of the apostles to realize how faulty that claim is. None of them had overflowing wealth. Often the opposite was true. When Jesus sent them out to minister and spread the ‘good news,’ about His kingdom, He did not give them golden chariots and fine clothing. “He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in their belts …” Mark 6:8

Perhaps it was because they had nothing, they became deeply aware of how rich in “his righteousness” they were. Because they had nothing, they realized they had all they really needed. Because they had nothing, they learned to trust Him to provide it.

Living with that kind of abundance will indeed accomplish what Jesus said He came to do – “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)

****

 


 

Marcia Lee Laycock is a Christian writer/speaker/teacher whose work has been endorsed by Mark Buchanan, Jeanette Oke, Sigmund Brouwer.  Visit her website to learn more.


January 17, 2023

A is for Accept by Lorilee Guenter

 God has given us words as a gift. He uses words to teach me and to correct me. Words are one way He shows Himself to us. He communicates with us. He spoke creation into being and Jesus calmed the storm with words. Gifts are of more value when they are accepted. It is my choice whether I believe and accept.

I choose to accept the the relationship He has called me into using His words. I choose to accept the teaching found in His written word to us. I also recognise that God uses people to write and speak into other people's lives. I am beginning to accept that God gives me words to share with others. I did not accept that for a long time and instead devalued myself and lost opportunities because of it. 

I continue to learn what it means to follow where God leads me. God asked Abram to go to a place unknown to him but known to God. Abram trusted God would lead him. God asked His prophets to speak the words He gave them. Jesus taught His disciples and then asked them to share that teaching using the authority He gave them. We are all called to be His disciples which includes using the gifts and words He has given us and sharing them with the audience He asks us to share with. This is not something we do on our own but in communication with the Holy Spirit.

By accepting God's direction, and following it, our words and actions bring glory to Him when He uses our offerings to teach us and others. 

January 16, 2023

A is for Author

 


I’m an author, a published author. It’s a label describing part of who I am, but it still feels like it doesn’t fit well. At times, it seems like one of those clothing labels that makes your skin itch or the ribbon kind that pop out at the most inopportune times, those labels you want to cut out and discard.

What should I do with this author label? For years I hid my one-time enjoyment of writing. Then, as I began to put words to paper or more often keystrokes on the computer to form a story of some description, I told people, “I’m a reluctant writer.”

Have you ever been there? Reluctantly writing or quaking in your boots at the thought someone might ask you to speak in public, lead a workshop, or do anything out of your comfort zone? My words of being a reluctant writer or the thought of the label author puts me into a place far from any comfort zone. It’s never something that had been on my bucket list.

A number of years ago my one grandson challenged those words of mine when I repeated them yet again in his hearing. “Grandma, when you say you are a reluctant writer, it’s a very negative attitude.”

Wow. I must admit I had never really thought of my words in that way. I needed to pause and reflect on his comments. A is also for attitude and adjustment. Mine needed that. It has taken years to adapt my thinking and attitude to go from reluctant writer to published author when people ask me what I do.

Stories have been part of my life for as long as I can remember and likely longer. Hearing stories, reading them, and telling them too. They captivate my attention. They weave their way into answers I give to questions, speaking engagements, and now my writing. I knew storyteller fit as a way to describe myself and what I love to do. Then stories began to be published in anthologies or as a book and published author needed to be a descriptor as well.

The biggest attitude adjustment came when I realized that God gave me the ability to tell the stories. He gave me a gift but never meant me to hide it away or ignore it. The gift needed to be used to encourage and teach others. My attitude and actions of using the ability to tell stories and be a published author needs to praise God, my Creator so I can be a good steward.


An attitude adjustment happened. But some days, I feel myself slipping into the past way of thinking and desire to hide by not telling people about what I do or use the words published author. Then I take time to look back at the journey, the adventure God has taken me on to this point. I read down the list of what I’ve written and published from articles and poems in magazines and anthologies to devotional books, memoir, and even fiction. Affirmation from readers or fellow writers encourage me and remind me that God’s plan far exceeds my limited vision of the way ahead. Everything to this point is God’s doing. I often turn to the benediction in Ephesians 3: 20, 21 (NIV) which encourages, inspires, and fills me with awe at the power of God in Christ Jesus.
“ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Yes, a is for author. I simply need to be willing to do what God asks and enjoy the adventure we are on together. 

 


As a speaker and published author, Carol Harrison is passionate about mentoring people of all ages and abilities to help them find their voice and reach their fullest potential. She shares from her heart, with stories from real life experiences and God’s Word to encourage people and help them find a glimmer of hope no matter what the circumstances.