Opportunity: What Inscribe Writers Mean to Me by Bob Jones

Opportunity. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of how Inscribe Writers are a source of inspiration. I recall all the opportunities given to me by Inscribe.

The opportunity to discover my tribe. Sheila Webster was the first Inscriber I met and it was a Godwink moment. Monday October 26, 2015. That meeting changed my life. I took the picture because I understood the importance of this new beginning. The location was a Starbucks in North Edmonton on 127^th Street and 136^th Ave. It was a meeting that almost didn't happen.

 

Ruth Thorogood, the Executive Director of the Word Guild, Sarah Ball, the Alberta Representative of the Word Guild and Sheila with Inscribe Writers came together over tea, hot chocolate and some lattes. I was new to writing and suddenly I felt like I found my tribe. 

 

Sheila worked with me to start an Inscribe writers group, along with Charity Mongrain who serves on the Inscribe Executive. Sarah, and Ruth became friends and colleagues. I wrote an endorsement for Sarah’s book, Fearless in 21 Days, and Ruth wrote an endorsement for my book, You’re Going To Be OK.

 Sheila would introduce me to Tracy Krauss and as they say, the rest is history. 

 The opportunity to write. There’s nothing like other writers acknowledging your writing to feel like you have something valuable to offer. In December 2017, Tracy’s invite to join this blog gave me the opportunity to read the writing of others as well as make my own contributions. And I learned that there were other male writers in this tribe, like Alan Anderson and Bruce Atchison. It's fulfilling reading and responding to each comment and posting my own comments on the other submissions.

 

In November 2015 I became a member of Inscribe and started receiving the quarterly versions of Fellowscript. The publication further enlarged my world, introducing me to writers like Pamela Mytroen – “every story needs a little salt”. Fellowscript offers very helpful skills to improve writing. When I was asked to write for Fellowscript I felt like I became fully fledged. Validated.

 

On December 26, 2016 I connected with Sally Meadows and Ruth Snyder in regards to the Inscribe Christmas Anthology and a new opportunity for collaboration. Early in 2021 the Easter Anthology will be available.

 

The opportunity to share and learn skills. Being invited to present a seminar on blogging at the Inscribe Conference in 2018 in Wetaskawin, introduced me to the rest of the Inscribe family. It was there I met Pat Gerbrandt, Joylene Bailey, and Bobbi Junior.

 On October 2, 2017 Bobbi was the special guest at our writer’s monthly meeting. She shared her journey into writing, her publishing experience and writing practices. Everybody fell in love with her generosity, spirit and joy of being a Christian who is a writer. Following up, she resourced us with invites to enter writing contests.

  

In February 2020 Bobbi, Ruth and I were working to bring Jeff Goins to Edmonton for a writers’ workshop. Jeff is an inspiration and icon of writing to me. I was amped up at the opportunity to meet him and learn more from him. COVID ended that plan but not before I had an hour long personal phone call with Jeff in preparation for the workshop.

Losing the sight in my right eye this year paled in significance to losing Bobbi Junior on November 30th. When I read her writing, I can hear her voice. Perhaps that's what makes writers immortal. Their words - and voice - live on after they are gone.

Thank you Inscribe Writers. You inspire me.

Bob Jones is a recovering perfectionist who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks iced tea. My walls are adorned with our sons’ framed football jerseys, and my bookshelves, 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 REVwords.com

 

WRITING IN THE CRACKS OF TIME by Bob Jones

Are you struggling to find time to write? There may be more time than you know what to do with in the time that falls between the cracks.

Here are five strategic ways to find 72 minutes a day, everyday, for writing.

1. The last twelve minutes before you go to bed must be seeded. Those 720 seconds are prime time to prepare for your next day’s writing. Ready your writing space for the next morning. Tablet. Pen. Computer. Chair. No clutter. Spend the other ten minutes thinking about one thing you want to write about in the morning. The subconscious mind is a ready writer. Your last prevailing thought will simmer during the night. You can get a peaceful sleep and a jumpstart on your day.

2. The first 30 minutes when you awaken must be guarded. I find cracks of time at the crack of dawn. My cell phone is silenced. No one else is awake. The house is still. Being a morning person doesn’t hurt. I can count on one hand the number of mornings I’ve missed the dawn in 2020 without needing a wake-up call. Not a morning person? Set your alarm. A hot café mocha and I’m ready to go. The first 30 minutes of my day are the most productive. They must be guarded. No email. No social media. Focus.

3. Take care of business by working over time. Some time between after dinnertime and before bedtime, carve out 30 minutes of my time. Excuse yourself and go to your writing place. Hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the doorknob. Writing is nobody’s business but yours. Get down to business. Thirty minutes becomes sixty and then ninety and before you know it, you’re banked 350 minutes of writing after one week. Over time you will be surprised how much writing you get done.

4. Choose the time that is most convenient for everyone else in your life. This is your sacrifice of love. Married to a morning person? Write later at night so you can be with the one you love in the morning. Got kids? Write before they get up or after they go to bed. You are required to do shift work, work weekends or work more than one job? Write in the cracks of work. You may feel these choices leave you writing in weakness, but weakness is God’s favourite place to show his strength. When you make sacrifices out of love, don’t be surprised how God makes time out of your sacrifices. 

5. Never leave home without a way to redeem the time. Every week you have one or more moments of unexpected wait time. Waiting at an appointment. Waiting for a meeting to begin. Waiting because of a cancellation. Don’t fight it. Write in it. Prepare your mind to seize the opportunity in adversity.

Cracks let the light in. Are you ready?

Please take time and leave a comment below. Thank you.

An Obstacle Opens a Door to Opportunity by Nina Faye Morey

The Lord replied,

“My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

During your times of trials and suffering

When you saw only one set of footprints

It was then that I carried you.”

~ “Footprints in the Sand” (Anonymous)

In December 2010, in what felt like some cruel twist of fate, I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I felt as though I’d suddenly stepped from the firm, well-travelled path I’d been walking onto the shifting sands of a deserted beach. Uncertain about where this difficult and lonely path might lead, fear clutched me in its icy grip, evaporating my hope and eroding my faith. Burdened by those devastating twin afflictions of helplessness and hopelessness, I experienced times of despair when I felt as though God had abandoned me.

But that raucous rollercoaster ride of emotions that swiftly follows on the heels of a numbing shock eventually came to a halt. As I travelled this difficult and troublesome path, I once again felt that my fervent prayers for help and guidance were being heard. As God removed the obstacle of fear that had threatened to sever our relationship, I sensed He was once more walking alongside me. He became my source of strength and security, offering me the hope and peace I needed to carry me through this trying time of trial and testing. He renewed my spirit and refreshed my soul, allowing me to contemplate my future without fear, worry, or sorrow.

Jesus teaches us never to worry about what tomorrow will bring because worrying about the future does nothing to lengthen our life (Matthew 6:27). His lesson has been confirmed by modern medical research, which concludes that the stress caused by worry does indeed shorten our lifespan. When I was able to once again place my health and my future in God’s hands, my sense of wellbeing was restored. By laying my worries and fears at His feet (1 Peter 5:7), I became a wellness warrior rather than a resigned worrier. During my year-long course of treatment, I became a regular at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre Library, checking out reliable books, taking notes, and following any sensible sounding advice.

But my primary sources of solace during this difficult and uncertain time were prayer and the Holy Scriptures. I wrote out several comforting verses and posted them by my computer for daily contemplation: Matthew 8:16-17; Job 5:18; Jeremiah 29:11; Daniel 10:18-19; Philippians 4:13; John 14:27; and many others. I searched God’s Word for verses on the power of prayer and God’s promises for healing (James 5:14-16; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 107:20; Jeremiah 30:17). They gave me the willpower, strength, and courage I needed to fight this deadly disease and maintain a confident and positive spirit. A positive perspective is a vital key to health and healing (Proverbs 17:22).

Casting my cares upon God, I became determined to fill my life with positive thoughts, people, and activities. Instead of dwelling on my disease, I decided to focus on the things I enjoyed in life, including writing. I hadn’t pursued my writing seriously until I’d stopped working in my early fifties. At that time, I was successful in getting some of my writing published in various newspapers and magazines. But after a few years, I returned to work and once again had little time to pursue my writing dreams. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew I needed to quit working in order to deal with my surgery and treatments and concentrate on getting well. Once my treatments ended and I’d regained my strength, I was determined to devote my time and attention to my writing once more. While it seems strange to call such a burden a blessing, my cancer became a catalyst for change. So what initially felt like an insurmountable obstacle had actually opened a door to opportunity!

Photo: Pixabay

An Unexpected Opportunity to Serve by Tandy Balson

The devastation caused by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta is heartbreaking.  Lacking the resources to send a monetary donation, I wondered what I could do.  Was there was a way my writing could be used to support this cause?

When I prayed about this an answer came quickly.  God impressed upon me that I should donate five dollars from the sale of each of my books to the relief fund.  I thought perhaps I’d misunderstood and tried negotiating the amount. He made it clear to me that nothing else was acceptable.

A few days prior to this I’d sent out a press release to our local papers to let them know my book, Dragonflies, Snowdrifts & Spice Cake was a finalist in The Word Awards.  A call for an interview came shortly after I promised God I’d donate the amount he requested.  I told the reporter that for the next month I would be donating funds from the sale of my book to Fort McMurray relief efforts.  Now it was official.

My book is available at a local gift store and I called the owner to let her know of my plan.  She offered to match my donation for any books sold in her store.  Now the contribution to the relief fund would be ten dollars from each book sale. God was already multiplying my gift.

An hour later I checked my email to find an inquiry from a local women’s group.  They hoped to schedule me for later this month to speak about my writing journey. The coordinator and I had met once, more than two years ago, and my business card had just reappeared on her desk. I don’t believe in coincidence so knew God was behind this.  

I asked if I could bring books to sell and told her of my plan to donate to Fort McMurray relief. She not only encouraged this but offered to donate partial proceeds from the ticket sales to the same cause. Like the loaves and fishes, my little gift was to multiply even more.

Within hours of my prayer, God had set his plan in motion.  All it required from me was obedience.  I don’t know what the results will be, but he does. I am blessed to know my book has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives those who may never read a word I write.

www.timewithtandy.com

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Bryan Norford

I’ve been reading with interest responses to writer’s block, which appears to be the experience of most—Glynis excepted: way to go, girl!—but providing varied responses to the phenomenon. Most feel it is a battle to fight, especially if it impedes deadlines or commitment. Both Bobbi and Tracy have some good tips on that.

Even then, we fight not against bricks and mortar, or more close to home, blocks and writer, but against spiritual opposition from the highest levels. But some, like Sandi and Connie, have suggested writer’s block is part of the ebb and flow of a writer’s spiritual life.

Perhaps we can garner support for that idea from Solomon: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . . ” Ecclesiastes 3:1. Ann and I penned a devotional in our book, Happy Together, showing how this “interference” is really part of earthly life.

There’s nothing like a day of accomplishment when everything goes according to plan and is complete. But we also have frustrating days of redo, repair, or failure, achieving nothing of significance.

Upon reflection, we realize that there must be times for preparation, planning, and evaluation; times for correcting previous work or adapting to changing circumstances; even times for rethinking and renewing the way we live.

In the big picture both the time of advance and apparent retreat are all part of the same process. To advance tomorrow as we did yesterday, we may need to retrench today. Today’s reading (Eccl. 2:9–14) gives some rationale to this process. In it we recognize a bigger picture than we can see, even when questions are unanswered: “the burden God has laid on men.”

This is particularly true of the setbacks of life, which baffle us. At those times Ecclesiastes exhorts us to find satisfaction in the daily routine, recognizing that every day has meaning in God’s bigger picture beyond our grasp.

Relationship in marriage is much the same. The conflict and abrasion between partners discourages us. Stopping and dealing with interpersonal relations seems an unnecessary disruption in other important areas of life.

But in the larger picture, it is part of the process, as necessary as the times of joy and companionship together—and in the end deepens the relationship.

It’s often necessary to leave the big picture to God and trust him with what we can’t figure out.

So let’s put that infernal writer’s block in its place. It’s an opportunity to recharge; perhaps to read, wander, smell the roses. Above all, enjoy the pleasure of His company and so deepen the well from which inspiration springs.

Canada-My Second Home-Sulo Moorthy

Canada is not the land I was born in or is the land I'm residing now. But, Canada has a special place in my heart, because it's my adopted home. Canada opened its doors and welcomed me, my family, and my fellow country men with compassion,when my native land was in turmoil and ethnic war was at its peak.

Like many others fleeing from my country, we too left behind family, friends, secure job, house, land and belongings, and landed in this country twenty five years back. While growing up,I'd studied a little about Canada and had seen snow only on Christmas cards. But, when we landed in Edmonton Alberta in the month of December, clad in overly padded coats and knee high boots, we may have looked hilarious, but we were ready to face whatever the promise land and prairie winter would offer us. Because
English had been my second language in the land I was born, which was then called Ceylon, language didn't become a barrier us.

Before I came, I had asked the Lord to give us a good church to attend, and the Lord must have taken my prayer so seriously that He put us up in an apartment just next to the building that read The Southside Church of Nazarene. For my husband and I, who didn't have a kin around, the next door church became our home and the members became our family.

No sooner, the ladies at the church learned that I was pregnant with my second child, they threw a great baby shower. And the entire church stood with us and prayed, when the baby born two months premature wrestled to survive in her first few months. Our daughter was so privileged to be born in the newly built Grey Nun's hospital in Millwoods and attended by well caring doctors and nurses at the facility. Yes, our daughter is a Canadian by birth and is very proud to call herself so. I wonder whether she would have had even a chance to survive, if she had born in my native land, when chaos and calamity ruled the place. Today, she, a beautiful woman of grace and character, a graduate from McGill University, who is pursuing a career in healthcare to give back the care and service, she once received.

It is in Canada, I had the opportunity to discover the writer within me. Although Language Arts was my favorite subject and my essays were read out in class and even managed to appear in my school magazines, no teacher encouraged me to see myself as a writer. In fact, I must say, I stumbled into writing rather than pursuing it. It's in my early fifties, I got into writing, and it's God's mercy that the first few manuscripts I submitted got published and kept me on the track without giving up.

I'm so grateful to the Canadian editors at Edmonton Journal, Our Family, Mennonite Brethren Herald,Living Light News, who didn't discard my manuscripts no sooner they saw my long last name which they couldn't pronounce or spell. Instead of thinking, what good can come out this woman's writing, whose name we haven't heard before, and throw my work into the nearby wastepaper basket, they took the time to read,assess,pay and publish.

I'm proud to say I'm a member of ICWF ,for without their support and the opportunities they provided, I wouldn't have come this far in my writing. Even after moving to US, I continue to be a part of Inscribe, for I value what it stands for, and the support it offers to writers like me.

Yes, Canada stands as a beacon of hope, peace and refuge, and my family and I are so blessed to call ourselves Canadians citizens. As we honor this country with our writing this month, I pray that Canada will continue to stand tall as a leader in pursuing peace, doing good and serving well in humanitarian work. On behalf of my family, relatives,friends and fellow country men of my native land, I salute Canada for the life amd opportunities it has given us. May God bless this great nation and keep it safe.

" If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday." Isaiah 58:10.

Lydia - Her Opportunities are Great!

Janice Keats

Scripture: Acts 16: 11-15

I picture Lydia as a happy and content woman. It showed in her hospitality when she persuaded her Christian friends to stay at her house when they came to town. Lydia and her guests were worshippers of God. What do you suppose sustained their happiness in worshipping God? I believe they supported each other and shared progress in ministry. Sharing good news among friends generates pure joy in the Lord. It motivates and encourages and builds faith, resulting in being filled with abundant blessings!

There is so much opportunity in the Christian life. There is the opportunity to fellowship, and to experience God’s love and joy in serving Him. Lydia was a servant of God and her community. Perhaps she partnered with others as she ran her business of selling purple cloth. Her joy was from the Lord! God has given each of us gifts and abilities and the opportunity to avail of them. Have we availed of our opportunities and accepted God’s courage to do His Will? His Will has been perfected and chosen for each person. So we can release all that hinders our walk with Him, because He has given His best to us.

We each have the opportunity to share in the peace, the fulfillment and a prosperous life. Much like Lydia’s life. We have been given different gifts but there is one thing that God has given that is the same for everyone. We all have been given the same promises from God! You may wonder what they are. He will give us strength to do His Will. He will give us courage to reach out to others. He promises forgiveness when we go astray, and He promises to be near to the brokenhearted, just to name a few.

God’s Word is full of promises that can never be broken. Psalm 46: 1, 2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Another promise He provides is, “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107:9). We can taste and see that God is good. It requires simple trusting faith, and then we will discover that God is indeed God, and He always come through on His promises. Just ask anyone who has had his or her prayers answered.

Janice Keats