When Jesus Took the Wheel by Mary Folkerts

There are moments in life that solidify in our minds like concrete, becoming a kind of guidepost in the sand, marking the before and after. One such marker came upon me quite suddenly on a long, lonely winter road, thirty-two years ago. It happened between Christmas and New Year's, that liminal space where you can’t quite remember what day it is.

That same liminal space represented my state of mind, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I was young and in flux, drifting along without aim or purpose. I was in a relationship that was going nowhere, and in my heart, I knew it needed to end. I was working a job that barely paid the bills. I was just getting by physically and spiritually, but I was not thriving. I knew that ultimately I wanted to live my life for God, but it felt like I had been in the Almighty’s waiting room long enough, and I began finding my own ways to happiness. I was not ready to let Jesus take the wheel of my life. I liked being in control, even if I didn’t know where I was headed.

I liked being in control, even if I didn’t know where I was headed.

I had spent a lovely Christmas with family in the far north and was driving back home. It was a long winter road, snow piled high on either side of the highway. I was driving alone on this 650-mile journey without a cell phone. (I don’t know if cell phones were even invented back then!)

I had been driving all day, and darkness had fallen. Many sets of headlights had come my way, passing on to their destination. Suddenly, I was roused out of my reverie, focusing on the new lights ahead. As they drew near, I realized that they were coming straight toward me, in my lane! Without thought, I turned the steering wheel into the other lane, and the wayward car passed by in my lane. I returned to the correct side of the road and kept driving, my body weak with what had just occurred! I looked in my rearview mirror to see what appeared to be the other car landing in the ditch. I didn’t stop but kept right on going.

You know that moment when you feel like Jesus literally took the wheel? You have to admit that you did not escape harm without the presence of a higher power. It’s in those times that one looks to either God or their lucky stars in gratitude.

When I arrived at my destination that night, I called my parents to tell them what had happened. I know that they always prayed for us kids, especially when we were travelling, and God undeniably answered their prayer! Their relief over how I was protected was palpable.

I look back now, thirty-two years later, and am still in awe of how God’s hand of protection was on me. I don’t believe in lucky stars, coincidence, fate, or karma, but I do believe in the power of God and His ministering spirits. I like to think that if I had been able to physically see into the spiritual dimension that night, I would have seen an angel in the car, taking over the steering wheel for me, turning the car in the right direction to save my life.

Maybe God wanted to get my attention, and He certainly had it now! He obviously had more life for me to live, and His plans for my future were only just beginning. I now think of this event as the start of the rest of my life.

As the end of the year draws near, we tend to reflect on the past. We think about the good and the difficult things we have been through, and often we gain insight in remembering. We can see things more clearly with hindsight; we see where we misstepped, but we also see the progress we’ve made.

In our reflection, let us also remember the ways God has led, guided, and protected, sometimes with a shielding hand, sometimes with unanswered prayer, and sometimes by taking the wheel.

God uses all things for His glory, to refine us and make us more like Him. Nothing is wasted in His Kingdom.

A simple and meaningful way to reflect on God’s goodness to us in 2025 is to open your phone's photo gallery. If you are like me, the Photos app documents the year perfectly, and I stand amazed at how good God has been. The beauty He creates for me to enjoy, the relationships, and moments of rest. Even when I’ve documented the difficult things, I see how He has held me through it all.

The Ancient of Days still holds us — (Immanuel, God with us).
He is still as relevant in 2026 as in days of old.

Is God trying to get your attention?
Perhaps that sunset was for you?
Perhaps that kindness was His
gentle whisper?
We must make space to look

and listen for Him,
as He doesn’t always come
in dramatic fashion.
May we be attentive to His

still, small voice in
2026.

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 member of Proverbs 31 Ministries' COMPEL Writers Training, involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s 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/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/

Seasons Greetings From the Executive

On behalf of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship and the current executive, here's wishing all our readers and contributors a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year. 

2020 has been a year of challenges, but it has also been fertile soil for many deep reflections here on the InScribe blog. Thank you to the faithful regular contributors for their contributions as well as to our variety of guest bloggers. You are what keeps this blog going! I am more than thrilled with the quality of writing this year, despite the challenges we faced. 

Our organization faced other challenges, too. On November 30 we lost one of our executive team. Bobbi Junior will be missed, not only because she served so diligently as treasurer for more than eight years, but she was wise and witty, too. Despite the many trials in her life, she never complained, but just told her stories with quiet grace. If you want to read a tribute I wrote on my personal blog about Bobbi, you can visit it here: The Reluctant Mentor

We are looking forward to 2021 with anticipation, knowing that God is in control and that He has a good plan for our lives and for InScribe. Keep on praying for the executive as the team put in many hours on your behalf and things (like technology )do not always run smoothly! 

God bless and keep on writing for Him!

- Tracy Krauss on behalf of the ICWF Executive -

In his Heart... by Lynn Dove

As most of my fellow InScribers know, 2019 was a battleground year for me.  Fighting endometrial (uterine) cancer, I finished my last radiation treatment on December 3rd, rejoicing in the fact I was cancer-free once again.  It was a long, and weary fight and I'm still trying to overcome some of the side effects associated with my treatments.  I had hoped to start the New Year, more or less, back to normal, but I have a new "normal" now, and it's taking me a little time to get used to it.  Doctor, and specialist appointments are already on my calendar.  I haven't committed myself to participate in any  extra activities because I never know how I will feel on any given day.  I used to plan well in advance, now I don't look further ahead than a week at a time.  Sometimes that gets shortened to a day at a time.  I know it's all part of the recovery phase I now find myself, but it does get frustrating, especially for my A-type personality, to be forced to rest when my heart says "RUN!"  It's that old adage of my mind is willing but my body is weak. 

On January 3rd, I joined our local recreation centre, determined to begin my fitness journey again.  I'm not a resolution person, but I feel it important to build up my stamina and try to stave off the aging process as much as possible.  I've got two "set in stone" calendar dates I cannot miss: my daughter's wedding on July 18th, and the 40th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope run in Victoria, B.C., on September 20th.  I know the organizer of the head-shaving event, and I have been asked to be one of the guest speakers.  I have made my plans for those two special days, but I also know only too well that, "In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

That particular scripture verse has been my life verse.  I have gotten so used to the U-turns in life that I am no longer surprised by them.  2019 taught me that when a health crisis hits, all plans change, almost in an instance.  Nothing else takes precedence than fighting the battle.  Dates on the calendar are wiped clean, activities are cancelled or rescheduled. The idea is to trust God and allow Him to steer me through, around and over any of those unexpected life-changes I find myself.  God has never steered me wrong! 

My prayers are that 2020 will be filled with countless memory-making events, and that I will be strong and healthy to plan, and enjoy each and every one of them!

I have appreciated all your prayers for me last year, and ask that you continue to pray for me while I continue to recover.

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

SHALOM by Bob Jones

Some people choose a scripture verse or one key word as a focus for the coming year.  That’s my tribe. My word for 2020 is “shalom”.

Shalom is what I’ll be sharing over the next twelve months. I’ll write about shalom, speak about it, and embody it. I’ve written it on the first page of my 2020 journal. More significantly, I’ve embedded in the fabric of my soul.

Shalom is rich in meaning, deep in effect and broad in application. You can’t go wrong in applying “shalom” to your life.

Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. In Israel, I discovered it is used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.

Shalom experienced is multidimensional, complete well-being — physical, psychological, social, and spiritual; it flows from all of one’s relationships being put right — with God, within oneself, and with others.

I told you shalom is a rich word.

The Hebraic greeting, “Shalom alechem” means “may you be well”.

Shalom binds all of life together. Isaac Arama, a Jewish philosopher in the 15^th century, paraphrased this idea by saying:

“Peace is a positive thing, the essential means by which men of differing temperaments and opinions can work together for the common good. Pearls of individual virtue would be dim in isolation were it not for the string of peace that binds them together and so increases their lustre. That is why peace is a name of God for it is He who gives unity to the whole of creation.”

Where does shalom come from? How can I get shalom?

God creates shalom. Receive shalom as a gift from God. Jesus said, “I give you peace (shalom).” (John 14:7) The gospel of Jesus is the “gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15) Jesus is the prince of shalom. (Isaiah 9:6)  When you have Jesus, you have shalom. Live in shalom’s richness by surrendering to and obeying Jesus. When you trust and obey Jesus you have shalom.

2020 will find me ramping up efforts in reducing the stigma and raising awareness around mental health. On Wednesday January 29^th I’ll be co-hosting the Bell Let’s Talk Day in Edmonton with Vahen King of “Going Farther”.  We are going to promote shalom. The event relies heavily on community, conversation and engagement. If you’re in the Edmonton area please plan to attend. Purchase tickets here.

To have shalom is to know you’re going to be OK.

My wish for you in 2020 is Shalom alechem.

I am a recovering perfectionist who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks iced tea. The walls of our home are adorned with our sons’ framed football jerseys, and my bookshelves, with soul food. 

My writing grows hope, inspires people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose.

Follow my writing and book reviews at REVwords.com

New Year, No Goals by Lynn Dove

I will admit that I do not make New Year's resolutions anymore.  I find the effort to be very discouraging for the most part because inevitably only a few days into the New Year I've already failed in some way at keeping them.  It's not that I have not made resolutions in the past because I have.  I tried to make goals that were easily attainable.  I knew that setting far-reaching and pursuing lofty ambitions for myself or for my career at the start of the year, would undoubtedly cause me grief and guilt in the weeks and months that followed.  Being an "A" type personality, I would be consumed with perfection in succeeding, that I would become obsessed, and all else would fall by the wayside while I strove for the unreachable.  Let's just say, it not only made me miserable, it made everyone around me miserable too.  So I made more realistic goals for myself only to find I had not the time or the discipline needed to accomplish those either!  I would then spiral into a guilty malaise where I did not do anything!  That's not a good way to start a New Year.

I applaud those, especially fellow writers, who set and keep goals for themselves to start the New Year.  Whether the goals are just a continuation from the past year, or newly made, I pray that like the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24, you will be spurred on towards the finish line!  Keep running the race set before you and keep at it until it is finished.

I strive for that as well, but I don't sprint for the finish line as some might do.  My race for many years now has been a steady jaunt, like a cross-country run with deep mud pits and high obstacles to go over or go around and the finish line nowhere in sight.  People keep nudging me to run faster but I can't.  I keep my slow and steady pace and continue to be amazed by the intricacies of the journey lessons I learn along the way.

My writing journey meanders like a contented stream.  Some days I am caught up in the current and will pour my thoughts onto paper undammed and heading straight for a waterfall.  I will write for hours and days with no slowing down.  Then there is that inevitable log jam, and words merely trickle onto paper.  Life gets in the way.  Grandchildren need my attention, my husband requires a proper meal, I must shoo dust bunnies from the house.  It can be days and weeks before I return once more to the computer keyboard to again write.

Previous years, I would fret about not writing.  My writing goals always before me, causing me angst because I could not keep to them.  I no longer am guilty during those "log-jammed" times.  My writing can wait.  It is enough to know that I am in the centre of God's Will.  There is a season for everything and He is in control.  I embrace the journey and know there is a finish line at some point, even though for now, I don't see it.

 Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com  

To All First Responders by Bob Jones

They call him “Tuna.”

He’s the kind of guy you want around in an emergency, not only because he’s a Paramedic but also because he could lift a truck if need be to save a life.

Before moving to Edmonton, Charles Blades competed on the Nova Scotia provincial rugby team, as well as a Pittsburgh rugby team, so you know he’s a bit crazy and tough. And I’m proud of the way he is using his abilities to serve people in the greater Edmonton area everyday. He’s one of those first responders that run in when others are running out. He’s my brother-in-law.

This is a shout out to every first responder at Christmastime and beyond. Gratitude for how the women and men who wear a uniform and anonymously go about lifesaving work, week in and week out. Schedules are challenging, stress is high, risk is routine and rewards are rare – other than knowing you have done the best you can. Too often first responders are the butt of thoughtless comments or jokes. Why is that some people think they’re funny by belittling the very people who could one day save their lives?

First responders are trained to deal with a wide array of potential medical emergencies. Because of the high level of stress and uncertainty associated with the position, first responders need to pay careful attention to their physical and mental health. Even with such preparation, first responders face unique risks of being the first people to aid those in life-threatening situations or with unknown contagions. The spouses and families of first responders experience their own kind of disquiet, as they understand the cost of sending their loved ones out the door to whatever may come their way.

Our family had unforgettable experiences with first responders. Our youngest son suffered a seizure from a high fever when he was two years old and we were living in Montreal. Firefighters, paramedics and police were in our townhouse within minutes to save his life. He spent a weekend in hospital under 24-hour watch but he recovered to tell the tale. St Albert Firefighters responded to a 911 call from our home when a kitchen appliance caught fire, spewing toxic smoke. They contained the damage and saved the day.

When Constable David Wynn was killed in the line of duty, the RCMP used our church as a parking depot and changing area in preparation for his memorial processional through St Albert. Edmonton Police Service and Edmonton Fire and Rescue Service officers have stationed their fire trucks and police cars in our parking lot for our community carnivals so kids could climb aboard and feel the thrill.

Men and women in my circle of pastoral influence are on active duty in undercover work, policing organized crime, community service or are retired officers. They have my utmost admiration and appreciation. They are my heroes.

So here’s a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to every firefighter, police officer, paramedic, all emergency response personnel and their spouses and loved ones.

Thank you and prayers for all you do.

I am a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. My office walls are adorned with our sons’ framed football jerseys, and my library shelves, with soul food. I write to grow hope, inspire people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose.

Please follow my writing at Pointes Of View.

When it All Seems Wrong by Marcia Lee Laycock

Jumbled Letters

“It has to be here somewhere,” my husband’s voice was annoyingly calm.

“But the road ends right here!” My voice was not.

“Are you sure you have the address right?”

I sighed and dug out my cell phone to find the website and address for the courier again. I groaned when it finally came up. The number was 7476 not 4767. I opened my GPS app. and typed in the correct address. My husband chuckled as it directed us to the right spot.

I always have been a bit dyslexic when it comes to numbers but I couldn’t believe I had gotten the address so wrong. Not just one number out of place, but all of them! I sighed with frustration.

I remember having that same feeling one day when I was editing my first novel. I had put it away for a while, after writing The End, but now it was time to take a close critical look at it. I marked it up with my own unique editing notations and when I reached that last page I sighed with frustration. Many scenes seemed out of order. In fact, it seemed all wrong. I was tempted to just hit the delete button and start again, but there were segments I liked, characters that worked and scenes that had a good emotional punch. If I could just figure out where to put them! It took a while but the hard work of rearranging was worth it in the end. The novel won me the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award and I have had some wonderful responses from readers. In the end, I was glad I hadn’t hit that delete button.

Sometimes life seems like that doesn’t it? Sometimes we look at what’s going on around us, in our world, in our country, in our own local area and even in our own family, and it seems like it’s all mixed up – it’s all wrong. Sometimes we’d like to just hit some kind of delete button and start over. But then we see those shining moments when things do work, when the goodness and kindness of humanity prevail, or when right conquers wrong in a stunningly powerful way. We realize our world, our country, our city, our family and our work is worth the effort.

And then there are those wonderful promises in God’s word: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). And this one: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).

2016 will no doubt have many challenges and perhaps even trials in store that will stretch us all in many ways. There will be times when it will seem that everything, including our writing, is all wrong.

But as we head into a new year it is good to remember that “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22,23).

May He bless you and your writing mightily in 2016!
****

Marcia Lee Laycock writes from central Alberta Canada where she is a pastor's wife and mother of three adult daughters. She was the winner of The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone. The sequel, A Tumbled Stone was short listed in The Word Awards. Marcia also has two devotional books in print and has contributed to several anthologies. Her work has been endorsed by Sigmund Brouwer, Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and Mark Buchanan.

Abundant Rain, an ebook devotional for writers can be downloaded on Smashwords or on Amazon. 

It is also now available in Journal format on Amazon. Here's a review by Tandy Balson:

"In Abundant Rain, author Marcia Laycock has given writers of faith a tool to challenge and inspire. The devotional journal has stories from the author’s life, each one ending with the lessons she learned from them. I found myself applying these lessons to my life and my writing as I was still reading them. This journal is a valuable resource that will help us dig deeper into our calling as writers."

 

Her most recent release is A Traveler’s Advisory, Stories of God’s Grace Along the Way. 

Here's a review by Ane Mulligan -
"Marcia Laycock has an inspired ability to deliver devotions that pierce the heart with a message from God. A Travelers Advisory is a unique devotion book, filled with everyday occurrences from travel, and each reached home in my heart."

Visit Marcia’s Website

Sign up to receive her devotional column, The Spur

To Plan or Not to Plan. That is the Question

 by Glynis M. Belec 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your 

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Phillipians 4:7

 As I think about the road I travelled last year and how it seemed full of great intentions, I start to beat myself up. I had plans. My day book had filled to the brim. It overflowed with my plans, my ideas, my goals. I took on writing related activities that I thought were meant for me.  I got some writing done, although not enough to satisfy me. I attended two writer's conferences, spoke at a few events, presented workshops. But I still couldn’t accomplish all that I had wanted or planned to do in my writing life. There was not enough time. My Dad had a heart attack. My son-in-law was diagnosed with testicular cancer. My husband had a bone marrow aspiration to confirm a diagnosis of leukemia.  I still had to visit the cancer clinic. 

     Why Lord? Those things were not in my plans. I soon realized I wasn't going to be able to check off my entire to-do list. Of course, my writing was put on the back burner. 

As I look back I sometimes wonder why God gave me such a passion to write if He wasn’t going open wide some doors.  I think about how I try to be a faithful servant doing God’s will. Shouldn't that mean I could have a few doors opened?

     Then I feel a little whisper in my heart. Something about how the gift is there for a purpose. How I will write at precisely the right time. How, if I would be still and listen, HIS perfect plan for my days will unfold. God has also reminded me over the past months, that He has not added to my burdens. He has, rather, given me many reasons to hope and a thousand opportunities to count blessings.

     As I look over the precipice of this new year, I can’t see very well. I wonder if I should lean further into the fog. Maybe then I could see better and have an idea of what might lie ahead. But I feel a heavenly arm holding me back. I keep wishing my new day planner would get here soon (I ordered such a pretty one in the mail). Then I could start making my plans for this year.

     Then I notice my stone in the living room: Trust me Child. I have it all under control. Love God – it says. I love it. I try to learn from it. Maybe, instead of rushing to fill my planner, I would be better to fill my heart with the Word of God, seeking scriptures on trust and timing and waiting upon the Lord. Then He will clear the fog and show me when it is time to take a leap of faith.

  Oh, I believe God wants me to have plans – I hope it includes those two books I want to write this year; the monthly articles I want to propose; meeting those deadlines for my regular columns, enjoying those speaking engagements. I'd better listen closely.

    It's funny though. When I start looking at things from a 'God plan' instead of a 'Glynis plan,' then – you know what – I feel calm. Is that what they call that peace that passeth all understanding? I’m liking it.  

Here I come 2015~