Carved in Stone or Bubbles in the Bath: Do You Know the Difference? by Peggianne Wright

Photo credit: P. Wright 2026

My To Do list is virtually endless. Everything from housekeeping tasks to vet visits to writing ideas to book marketing campaigns. You could say I hold a PhD in List Making. A kind of Dr. To-Do.

"We can make our plans,

but the LORD determines our steps.

(Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

Now, list making certainly has its advantages. For folks like me born in the middle of the last century, these lists written in the old fashioned style of pen and paper, serve as a backup generator, so to speak, since the memory cells are beginning to flicker. Sure, I can remember putting shovels full of sand in my Dad's car gas tank when I was three, but I can't remember the milk we need when I get to the store.

In all honesty, I have lists of lists with sub-lists.

"But be sure that everything is

done properly and in order."

(1 Corinthians 14:40 NLT)

So, when I think about the 10 things I'll be doing in the next four month of this year ... well, my brain suddenly begins to spin like the whirly-gig atop my Grandpa's garage in a major windstorm!

Now, I could be serious and imagine how I'll get finished organizing my sewing room that has been not-so-organized for the past 11 years. Or, I could excitedly think about how I'll have my Paws to Pray website completely updated and all my blogs nicely uploaded. Yes, I can smile widely as I envision how every room of the house will sparkle after a good and thorough cleaning. I can feel the deep satisfaction already for completing that new Jen Wilkin Bible study - well, it was new in 2023.

Ha!

What I've learned as time goes by, is that some lists are carved in stone, like the Ten Commandments, and some are well, like bubbles in the bath. The trick is to know the difference.

Every January 1st for the past 4 decades I've spent an entire day creating a new, customized day planner. Hours and hours of transforming lined Blueline Miracle Bind pages into a 52-week planner; transposing all the important dates - birthdays, anniversaries, memorial dates, holidays, and much more into its pages. Using my vast collection of coloured markers and pens, I embellish the most important ones with floral designs. A special section that moves from month to month includes check lists and schedules of important events and dates relating to my writing, ministry, continuing education, and fur-kids.

The ultimate organized gal, right?

Well, we find ourselves in September now; the changing of seasons that marks a certain adjustment in tempo and focus. Various clubs and groups start afresh after a summer break, new courses are scheduled to begin, engagements that may have been postponed over the summer are now planned to proceed.

So, as I sit down in my cozy study, my three four-legged colleagues all snuggled in their "cubicles", I pull out my planner from atop my piled-high credenza and gasp when I see the page lying open. MARCH 1st to 7th, 2026! I am truly shocked to realize that this ultra-organized lady has not once in six months consulted her day planner!

The world hasn't collapsed!

Throughout the past six months, I've managed to attend every appointment on time, met my writing deadlines (by a hair in some cases), and commemorated special occasions of every description. Somehow, by God's grace, I have continued to function and meet responsibilities without the rigid structure I believed I needed to stay organized.

What does all this boil down to? Well, I believe that through this time, God's been leading me to hold loosely the expectations and commitments I feel obligated to meet. He's quietly taught me to subconsciously assess the importance and value of all those day planner entries that weighed me down with worry and anxiety. He's given me discernment to recognize which ones were truly important.

Maybe I'm especially fortunate; no - I am INDEED especially fortunate! God has blessed me with this comfortable retirement after a stressful four decade career in business. At this juncture, He's reminding me that To Do lists and schedules don't always need to be strictly adhered to.

The next four months of this year will be busy for me. "With Ardent Strength", the third in a series of four Advent devotional books will be finalized for release, devotionals for monthly publications will be written, updates and renovations to my website will be undertaken, preparations for Christmas markets will be organized, marketing strategies will be planned and created, all in addition to the everyday, mundane tasks of running a household and raising three fur-kids.

So, while I know that my To Do list is brimming and my schedule is filling quickly, with God's guidance, I will set my 65-year-old nose to the grindstone and tackle the projects and tasks with eager enthusiasm and yet, using the wisdom and insight I've been blessed with, and continue making my lists of lists, with their sub-lists. Just In Case!

"Commit your actions to the LORD,

and your plans will succeed."

(Proverbs 16:3 NLT)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

The Rhythm of Prayer by Peggianne Wright

Photo credit: P. Wright 2026

Valleys of darkness and despair, peaks of sunshine and joy, monotonous straight lines of humdrum; our journey through life follows a unique path filled with ever-changing seasons laid out for each of us by God. I've learned over the years that this also applies to our rhythm in the craft of writing. The ebb and flow of inspiration, the interruption that disrupts focus, and the exciting new idea that strikes without warning also subtly steer a writer's life in many directions.

"My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure." (James 1:2-3 GNT)

On an "off" day I will sit here in my study, surrounded by my "four-legged colleagues" all cozily snoozing, my fingers sitting idle on the keyboard. A dozen opening sentences are typed and then deleted. Feeling the symptoms of an oncoming migraine, I'll stare into space in a struggle to concentrate, knowing the looming submission deadline is ticking closer, my inner voice admonishing me for having let the days slide by without completing my task. I pray for encouragement.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15 NRS)

Yet, another day will find me at my desk excitedly tapping out a new chapter or devotional, the words flowing faster than my 60 wpm fingers can fly. Not a single distraction will interrupt my train of thought; my colleagues snuggled in their regular places, softly snoring a quiet chorus. I pray in thankfulness.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12 ESV)

And then, there are days that find my study in darkness, my colleagues scattered in all directions with their toys and games, my day dominated by a To Do list or appointment schedule. No writing to be done. I pray in confident anticipation.

When I first committed myself to the craft and dared to call myself a writer out loud, I often stressed and worried about meeting not only hard deadlines for the publications for which I was writing, but also the self-imposed deadlines I believed were necessary to advance to a higher level. After all, to be a writer you have to commit to writing those thousands of words per day, right? I read and followed the experts who pointed out that if any success was to follow, serious focus, routine, and discipline was required. I prayed for direction.

On a day when I'm struggling to get something written in the midst of an excruciating migraine (I suffer from a chronic condition), I stop and pray. I know I need the Lord's guidance and inspiration but also the touch of His healing presence. Sitting in relative darkness, I pray for fortitude.

Ecclesiastes 3 describes how the rhythm of life will move us throughout our earthly lives. As Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, God guides through the good times and hard, the busy times and the idle ones, the difficult circumstances and the celebrations.

Finding balance, in my personal experience, has evolved through the enrichment of my prayer life. As I pass through the ever-changing seasons of my life, recognizing them and then praying over them, brings God into the story and deeper into personal relationship with me. As I pray for healing, encouragement, gratefulness, wisdom, and more, I am also opening doors to my creativity; a precious gift from God.

The ups and downs of life will always follow God's plan. By staying in close relationship with Him through prayer, balance will emerge in all our circumstances.

"So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive." Ecclesiastes 3:12 GNT

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

With Joyful Hearts by Peggianne Wright

When the Advent Season approaches every year, there's a certain feeling or emotion that begins to well up inside me and I begin to feel like my heart will burst from my chest. The same goes when I read a verse in the book of Luke; Chapter 10, verse 27. And because of that, there's a longing to share this feeling with all those around me. So, in 2024, one late autumn day, I sat at my computer, I thought about the time left on the calendar before Christmas and my first published book, With Joyful Hearts, was born.

Earlier in 2024, I produced—entirely in-house—a Lenten reading plan and study guide. It was developed from a Bible study my friend from Arizona and I had done together via Zoom during Covid. Relatively successful, I had unknowingly laid the groundwork for my introduction as an author in the world of self-publishing including two Advent devotionals (with two more planned in the series of four), an updated and expanded version of the "homemade" Lenten devotional, and two K9 related books that had been in the works for many years.

I confess that I struggle with imposter's syndrome; especially when I hear someone say, "Oh, you're self-published." The funny thing is, I've never approached a book project with the focus on sales or perceived success. My love for writing and teaching and inspiring is the root and foundation for all the books, devotional pieces, and stories I've written. God blessed me with a creative eye, a desire to do these things, and the gift to string words together in a meaningful way. Success to me is holding a real book in my hand and knowing it is my work. Success to me is a message from that one person to say my words were meaningful to them in some small way.

Each book I have written has taught me something new about myself both as a writer and a human. The technical skills I gain with each project help me to elevate and improve on the next. But, the lessons I experience in patience, grace, and humility benefit me in all aspects of life. The frustrating technical issues, the compliments from a reader, and the joy of seeing the overwhelming success of a fellow writer all help me learn and grow.

I have been further blessed to receive invitations from my church seniors’ fellowship to speak about my books and share the messages I’ve written.

As I continue to work on the many writing projects I have planned, I do so, not in pursuit of fame and fortune; if God intends that for me someday, then okay. But, in the meantime, I write books and devotionals to provide encouragement and enjoyment to the few who read them.

So, as the calendar turns to July, my thoughts turn to Advent—yes, Christmas in July—and I will begin work on the third book in my Luke 10 Advent Series. With Ardent Strength: Experiencing the Blessings of Advent will become my focus over the next while, pouring my heart and soul into its every page. And when the calendar pages fall away, the feeling of Advent will once again fill me and, I hope, you too, With Joyful Hearts.

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27 NIV)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

Invisible Beauty. Tangible Beauty. Heavenly Beauty. By Peggianne Wright

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." (Psalm 18:1 NLT)

I believe beauty is a choice we make. But also an instinct; a subconscious reaction and shift of emotion to an external circumstance. To experience beauty is an act of faith.

Recently, as I was walking home from our community mailbox late one afternoon, I witnessed a "falling star". The split second experience made me want to tell everyone. I couldn't wait to get home to tell my husband what I'd witnessed. And yet, in this brief but beautifully mesmerizing phenomenon, I felt a warm stirring in my chest, a highly personal and private moment where I heard my own small inner voice saying, "That was God!"

The meteor I witnessed was likely hundreds of kilometers away and the object itself likely only a few centimeters in diameter. Massive yet minute. Global yet intimate. God's beauty is inexplicable and inspiring.

"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." (Psalm 104:24 KJV)

And just as God orchestrates a spectacular act so small and yet so enormous as to remind us that He alone is the Creator of all (Genesis 1), in that very moment it felt like His personal message was displayed for me alone and yet for the entire world simultaneously.

As a Christian writer, I bear the enormous responsibility of speaking to my audience in words that point them to our Lord in a personal way and yet in kinship as brothers and sisters of Christ. At the same time, my deep faith reminds me that the burden is not entirely my own but is borne through the guidance and collaboration of the Heavenly Father.

To a writer, words are the tools of creation. God has gifted and equipped us with the ability to inspire beauty in every keystroke. In the dark moments of a writer's life, beauty will be born through the story that leads the reader towards light and healing. Through experiences of joy and happiness, beauty is magnified and shared when a writer inspires the reader to smile and feel uplifted. Beauty is private yet public as each experience comes first from deep within a writer's heart, touched by the Holy Spirit, and then amplified to the world at large.

Beauty unfolds for the writer when a reader is moved to both share and yet personally savour our words—God's words—of meaningful inspiration and nurturing. Beauty is experienced when our messages stir a reader's sense of intimacy yet communal connection to God and His Word.

A "falling star", or meteor, is basically a piece of rock that has been flying through space for perhaps billions of years, and vapourizes with a brilliant flash upon entering earth's atmosphere. From the day of Genesis 1:1, that piece of rock was traversing throughout the galaxy waiting for its moment to blaze one dazzling moment of beauty into the sky over my tiny place on this gargantuan planet. Every moment in time is on God's schedule, unfolding at His command. The beauty within our written messages is also being formed within God's plan and being read and appreciated, reflected on and embraced at just the precise right moment for someone in our audience; His perfect timing.

Whether invisible, such as a lilac-scented spring breeze, tangible, such as a newborn fawn, or heavenly, as a miracle fulfilled, beauty is a gift that inspires our writing. When we draw from every form of God's beauty, cobble it into a collection of thoughts and reflections, and share it with others, a beautiful gift is both given and received.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

 

In God’s Office by Peggianne Wright

I have long held that romantic vision of the writer sitting in the far corner of a coffee shop, sipping a flat white while tapping furiously on the keys of their laptop; the image of a "real" writer. But, me? Ha. I'm lucky if I get five words typed while I sit in a public space like the library or coffee shop. I just cannot shift my attention from the distraction of people watching to the serious focus on my writing.

Truth be told, my fur-kids have attention spans much greater than mine! I put it down to the curse of multi-tasking over all those decades since I first began working in 1979. As the craze of multi-tasking became what was considered in the business world the pillar of strength and a top resume accolade, I'm pretty sure that for me, I was training myself how to begin far too many tasks at once, and as a result creating nothing but stress and anxiety in the effort to complete each one perfectly. What I have discovered, at least about myself, is that my ability to focus was forever compromised in the pursuit of successful multi-tasking.

Fast forward to present day.

As I have embraced my writing life in my retirement from the business world, I have had to contend with the multi-tasking impulse so ingrained in my brain. My even greater struggle is my ability to focus. Obviously, social media has also played a significant role in the way all of us deal with focusing on specific tasks or dealing with various other undertakings.

The verse "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you" (Proverbs 4:27 NIV) reminds me that, as a Christian writer, the most important focus should be first on the Lord. And what better place to do that than in the midst of nature?

My husband and I are blessed to have a small home nestled on the edge of a tiny forest. Our back porch oasis has become the perfect space during our oh-so-short warm season to spend time with God. Early mornings, as the sun dawns, find me savouring my steaming first cup, snuggled with my fur-kids, Bible, and devotional. The rustling trees and musical birdsong, a chorus of several native species, stirs my senses and reminds me of God's presence at that moment.

It's here too, in this idyllic setting of God's office, that I spend hours with my thoughts; writing devotionals and other works that I pray will reveal His great wonder and powerful love for us all. This quiet office of nature provides heavenly inspiration as I reflect on the profound majesty of Creation. Here, in the solitude, I can at last find focus through the peacefulness of the moment. Here, I can fix my gaze directly on Him and furiously tap out the messages He has placed on my heart.

However, as the seasons change, so too does my writing venue. The cooler days of spring and fall and the frigid, snowy days of winter find me nestled cozily in my study. A space lovingly filled with shelves full of my favourite books and family heirlooms; the "closet" of God's office, in which to harness my focus and fix my gaze.

But, regardless of the physical settings, my writing goes on constantly in my head. As my multi-tasking schedule dictates much of my day, words and sentences, ideas and themes will present themselves and thus, my writing space, and God's office, may become the line in the grocery store, the bedroom as I make the bed, the gas station as I fill my tank while I quickly jot them in an app on my phone.

God has blessed me with the love of books, words, and writing and has tasked me to use this passion in a way that will share the Gospel, encourage love and kindness, and hopefully edify those who may read my scribbles. As the Holy Spirit guides me, I will embrace the spaces that inspire words and stories, in whatever season it may be, and know that so long as I fix my gaze, I'll keep my focus in God's office.

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

The Christian Writer’s Toolbox by Peggianne Wright

A carpenter learns his trade over many years. He will have begun as a novice, with little or no practical skills but a desire to create and craft and build with wood. He will quickly learn that there are essential tools he'll need for virtually every project and highly specialized tools needed when an elaborate, customized creation is underway.

As Christian writers, we will each assemble our own toolbox to aid and assist us in our craft. The basic tools will likely prove to be the most useful and relied upon in the whole kit. Just like a saw, hammer, screwdriver, level, and measuring tape, my personal writing toolbox consists of these primary tools: Mentors, Training Programs, Reference Material, Continuing Education, and Passion.

Mentors

Over the years, I have followed a number of Christian writers, artists, and personalities. Though, as I have matured in my faith, grown in my spirituality, and developed and improved my writing skills, many names have been added and then removed from my list of favourites. Just like when we meet someone new, it takes time to learn about them and to link their personality, writing style, belief system, etc., with our own.

Some have, what to me feels like, an enduring presence that shares their personal walk with the Lord in ways that help me strengthen my own. My tendency to embrace a more traditional teaching style leads me to the writings of such revered teachers as Chuck Swindoll, Henri Nouwen, and Jen Wilkin, to name a few. Naturally the writings of prolific men of God such as Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, and A.W. Tozer have filled my nightstand for years.

Training Programs

Depending on the direction our writing is leading, there are training programs available to gain practical experience in the craft. Online webinars and various workshops and courses, both free and paid, are abundantly available. One can become overwhelmed with the offerings available so it's wise to go slowly and choose carefully. My favourites include Kingdom Writers (C.J. & Shelley Hitz) and Becky Kopitzke.

In years past, in an effort to develop and improve my writing skills I enrolled in the Compel Pro Writers Training offered by Proverbs 31 Ministries (Lysa TerKeurst). When I realized I wasn't gaining the kind of practical training I had hoped, I found Flourish Writers Academy created and hosted by Mindy Kiker and Jenny Kochert. There I enjoyed a special online community of like-minded Christian women and gained practical knowledge and training in the craft of writing that helped me in my publishing journey.

Reference Material

In the 21st century, we can count it a blessing that there is an endless stream to reference material available at our very fingertips. This comes with a caution however, since we must carefully discern the source and validity of material we obtain. And now, even more urgently, it's critical to use extreme vigilance where AI is involved. I personally avoid AI whenever possible (although we all know it's embedded in and controls so much of what we do these days.)

The Bible will always be my most important reference tool; this goes without saying. But, my shelves are lined with other books including The Christian Writer's Manual of Style (4th Edition), The MacArthur Study Bible, The Chronological Study Bible, as well as several other writers' guidebooks and manuals. My trusted 40-year-old paper thesaurus has been replaced by Google, and I refer often to websites such as Bible Study Tools, Blue Letter Bible, and Bible Gateway.

Continuing Education

As Christians, we are perpetual students, as we study God's Word. Depending on the scope of your writing, further theological training may be desired. I have enrolled and participated in several online courses offered by the Dallas Theological Seminary. I've also found theology focused courses created by Jen Wilkin on the Lifeway Christian Resources website.

Passion

Without this incredibly essential tool, we are unlikely to touch the hearts and minds of our readers and even less likely to point them to God. It's imperative that we find ways to refresh and enliven our faith on a daily basis so we can share God's Word with others.

Beyond the Basic Tools

As we become skilled in our craft of writing, we may wish to specialize in certain genres and areas of Christian life. From non-fiction writing such as writing devotionals, bible studies, or other life resources to the world of fiction, we'll need additional tools to help us achieve success.

Others' Books

Reading is a lifeline for writers. It's imperative that to become a good writer we need to be a great reader. Choosing books that are part of the genre we wish to pursue, reading and deconstructing them to really understand the technical aspects of the writing will help guide us to improvement. Take care though, to avoid being a "copycat" and remain true to your own "style".

Community

Regardless of what genre we write, connections with our community will inspire us in ways we can't imagine. Taking time to just sit and write what pops to mind after a social event, a shopping excursion, a dentist appointment can be the seeds of some wonderful, heartfelt, and realistic writing.

Our church family can be of immense support in our writing careers. Having trusted friends to bounce writing ideas off, or folks to help promote your writing, or even personalities on which to base fictional characters can be invaluable. But, we must always take care to nurture our relationships in a way that doesn't take advantage of our friends and families.

Music

Listening to music, for me at least, is a multi-layered experience. Having lived to half way through my 6th decade, I have listened to—rough guess here—likely millions of tunes. Coming from a musical family, I have learned (but not mastered) five instruments and own a collection of hundreds of albums, CDs, and cassette tapes. But, the point here is that music has a way of speaking to a listener in ways we cannot understand. It will invoke memories and emotions and can even kick-start our imaginations. Using music to inspire our writing can be rewarding in so many ways.

Lived Experience

It's no secret that our writing can be inspired and/or influenced by the experiences we've lived through. I found that I had to eliminate a certain Christian writer from my bookshelf because her whole collection was based on her husband's betrayal. And, I left her writing group specifically because I felt that they focused on tragic life circumstances as a way to become a good Christian writer. Coming from a loving family upbringing, I began to feel I was "too blessed" to be the kind of writer they were training.

ALL of our experiences, good and bad, play a role in how and what we write. We get to choose what our focus will be. But, no matter what blessings or difficulties God has placed in our lives, if we can craft them into stories that benefit others and point to Him, our writing will truly be considered a success.

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

Pray First by Peggianne Wright

 

As a lifelong writer it's not uncommon for thousands of words to be continually swirling in my head. In turn, those oodles of words begin to mesh together into a plethora of ideas. And that gaggle of ideas quickly becomes overwhelming. Sound familiar?

It's a struggle we all face as our creative juices flow. As Christian writers, we have been blessed with a gift from God and that special assignment will lead us on numerous exciting journeys, though at times, may also derail us. When faced with too many possibilities, too many ideas, and too many potential projects, we will soon begin to feel overwhelmed. We'll lose our focus, and may even feel the passion for our craft wane ever so slightly.

Pray First.

The temptation to dip our pen into the ink pot and venture off in multiple directions can be exciting at the beginning, when all those fresh ideas are oozing onto the paper. But, in reality, we may just be missing the real purpose God had in mind for creating us as scribes. 

Pray First.

God's laid a unique focus on my writing that centers around all things K9. As my writing career has gathered momentum, I have also faced the particular dilemma that I know is not only my own. The trap the enemy throws in my path (and many of yours too, I'm certain) calling into question my ability, my qualifications, my credibility; often pressing me into self-doubt and insecurity. Known as "imposter’s syndrome", this issue can be a powerful negative force in a calling that is God's wish for us.

Pray First.

Over the years, I have participated in countless workshops, seminars, and Christian writing academies with the deep desire to learn, grow, and maybe even excel in this pursuit. Highly respected facilitators and leaders have shared their personal experiences and imparted wisdom they found to be beneficial in their own personal writing journeys. Volumes of notes are stashed away in binders now collecting dust on my bookshelves, rarely to see the light of day.

However, over time, I have come to follow my own one piece of advice faithfully each and every time I sit down to write. PRAY FIRST. In fact, I have a special prayer that I have written on my glass top desk that is visible to me while I work.

Lord,
Lead me in the right direction.
Grant me guidance.
Give me purpose.
Make me productive.
Let me be a blessing to someone today.

When we first and foremost invite the Holy Spirit to sit down with us, we can be sure that what forms on our computer screens are the words and thoughts God wants us to share with others. We can be confident that when we PRAY FIRST, our Heavenly Father is guiding us through our writing journey in the direction the He has chosen for us.

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca 

You can follow her on Facebook

www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on Instagram www.instagram.com/sister_in_prayer/

Dear Younger Self by Peggianne Wright

December 31, 1976

Dear Diary,
My best friend and I have had a colossal fight and I don't think we'll ever be friends again.

What felt like the end of the world that turbulent night was filled with God's blessings in so many ways. But only as I matured both as a person and a Christian would I recognize and understand it. From that agonizing phase of my young teenage life, I can now say:

 

Dear Younger Self,

You're still learning. The world is a hard place for soft hearts like yours. But, keep it soft no matter what.

Hold on to your values but be flexible. You were taught by loving parents who set you on a path with Jesus at your side. No matter what the world accepts, your principles and moral values must remain your guardrails. Pray for those in your life who are faltering. Extend your hand to those who are lost.

Dark Seasons will always end; you've been through them time and time again. Even though the painful times will sting and you'll feel hopeless and alone, remember that the One you can turn to is always right there with you.

Cling to Jesus and cry when it feels comforting. Tears have a way of washing away the hard times and purging our hearts of the soreness and ache. Losses will occur; more and more the older you get. But, in those losses grow sweet memories that are best cherished and nurtured with our loving God close by.

Not everyone will love you; accept it and extend grace both to yourself and others. You are genuine and compassionate but that isn't always a ticket to happiness. Often, your faulty expectations of others will lead to disappointment. But the One who loves you most is the only One you need worry about.

Close friends will abandon you; remain loyal. A thought expressed wrongly, an oversight, a lapse of judgement, or any kind of faux pas may challenge a loving friendship. Even at the times when you wrack your brain to find answers and cannot understand what happened, remember that God's plan is at work. Don't lose faith in a lost friendship but hold it dear in your heart, even if that's the only place left for it. Do your utmost to love your neighbour, even if they've turned their back on you.

Above all, remember to pray first, pray last, and pray in between. Jesus wants you close to Him and in constant contact. Whether life is rich with happiness or stormy with turbulent times, remember you are abundantly blessed as a member of God's Kingdom and beloved no matter what.

In Him who loved us first,
Your Older Self

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca 

You can follow her on Facebook

www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on Instagram www.instagram.com/sister_in_prayer/

My Little Book of Words by Peggianne Wright

 

It all started in a dark season of unrelenting grief. I had experienced so many losses in such a short period of time; two beloved fur-kids gone to the Rainbow Bridge, both my darling parents gone home to Jesus, an only sibling who "divorced" me from his life, and a dear sister-friend of over 30 years who decided our lives were "moving in different directions".

It wasn't really an intentional act, that first day I put pencil to paper in a little spiral bound notebook. I can't even recall my motivation for doing so. I suppose subconsciously I had an urge to purge myself of some hard and destructive emotions. Or, maybe I felt it would be a way of motivating me in my writing. It did both.

Each morning, at the conclusion of my breakfast, I would pull out my notebook and randomly think of any word. I'd add it to the index page, scribble a little jot—either a paw print, heart, starburst, etc.—on the title page, and write the word and the date on the fresh page. Then, I would just write. Whatever came into my mind, I recorded it without filters. Once complete, I would write a short corresponding prayer and then add a verse of scripture to reinforce the thoughts I had just logged. Looking back, from that first word, I can now see a pattern that began to emerge: Loss, Sunshine, Music, Silence, Worship, Challenge, Trust, Waiting ...

There is no end to the options available when it comes to journaling. In the past, like so many others, I was attracted to the "new and shiny" objects that would especially be pushed relentlessly at the close of a year. I'd look at these items, my mind's eye picturing the amazing, colourful pages I'd create in a wide margin journal Bible, or the fun digital images I could assemble in a mindfulness and gratitude journal. I'd fork out my Christmas money enthusiastically with high expectations. But I'd realize very soon that the process was either too cumbersome or complicated or time consuming. After just a short time it would be forgotten, left lying in a drawer never to be touched again. And, above all, it hardly felt like honouring God.

Like any kind of journaling, commitment is certainly a part of what makes it meaningful. Trial and error is also a way of learning more about oneself; understanding our strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes when it comes to choosing the right application, testing and strengthening our connection to God. As the seasons of our lives change, so too may our choices for and even against journaling. When we experience these things, we know that the Holy Spirit is working in us.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

In no time, my little process became an automatic response. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months and then years and soon my little book was full. I had named my morning scribbles "First Words…and other random thoughts" and began using them as weekly content on my Facebook page as a way to draw my followers closer to God and to their own healing.

But then I got busy. Over time, I became engrossed with other God-honouring projects He had laid on me. As it always happens, life interferes, routines change, the Lord's plan is rolled out.

My little book got left behind.

So, when on December 30th, I happened across my little book in a pile, I pulled it out and opened it to the last entry. Exactly one year ago on December 30th, I made my last entry. Certainly, I have been blessed and have accomplished much in the meantime. Projects have come to fruition, new relationships established, a closer connection to God cultivated. But also, a fresh new keenness to resume filling my little book with daily entries has filled my heart and awakened my soul.

"Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:5 NLT)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on Instagram @Sister_In_Prayer.

When You Hear That Negative Voice: Guest Post by Peggianne Wright

 

Please welcome Peggianne Wright as she joins us today as our Guest Blogger.

 

My heart flutters at an almost immeasurable speed, my stomach does summersaults and is tied in knots all at the same time, my fingers tremble as they hover over the keyboard. There's a voice inside my head taunting me with a maniacal laugh saying, "Who do you think you are?".

Imposter syndrome.

We've all, at one point or another in our writing careers, suffered the anguish and self-doubt inspired by listening to the wrong voice in our minds. Allowing space for the negativity to creep in and grow. It's always been a mystery to me why, in our human nature, we're more apt to believe the negative than the positive? 

As a writer hovering somewhere between advanced beginner and competent, I find I am in need of learning and relearning the habits required to push self-doubt and overthinking out of my head. And, in the process of doing this, avoid the temptation of sinful pride. Whew, that sure can be a fine line. 

Scripture tells us that God created each of us for our unique purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) and He alone is in control (Job 42:2). If we endeavour to fill our minds with the right thoughts, the words flowing from our pens and keyboards will not be ours to claim, but the Father's, who has given us the manuscript. It is then, that we can beat down and smother that negative voice, knowing that our work is God-inspired and His to give credit.

Preparation to Propel the Enemy

Just as an athlete must prepare for a competition by stretching or a musician by tuning their instrument, so too should we as scribes do some pre-writing conditioning. Create a routine that includes the following steps and practice it before (or after, or during) each and every writing session. 

Prayer is more powerful than most of us realize. So, even before we open our laptop or pick up that ballpoint, let us stop and give thanks for our God-given talent. Ask God for His direction and pray that whatever writing we're about to do be of His will. Pray that what we're about to write honours Him and points our readers to Him. On my glass desktop I have written, directly beside my laptop, in bold block letters with erasable white marker "PRAY FIRST".

We must allow our faith and the Holy Spirit to guide us. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans" (Romans 8:26 NIV). Always remember that the Father wants us to be successful in whatever we do and faithfully guides us if we're listening closely. The Apostle Paul counselled his congregation, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13 NIV), reminding them (and us) that in all we do, we will be guided on our path by the Holy Spirit.

Bless others always. Fellow scribes are all experiencing the same feelings. We must take time to keep each other in our prayers as well. Just as the military needs to "have each others' backs", so too must we, as members of God's army, support each other. "Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up." (Romans 15:2 NIV)

We are all authentically original. So, in those times when that nasty voice murmurs those taunts, I have learned to immediately stop and call on the Lord for His intervention. After all, He alone has led me on my writing journey and I call it an honour, privilege, and duty to point others to Him through my craft. 

"But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you." (2 Timothy 3:14 NLT) 

                                       

About the writer: Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.