Looking Ahead to 2023 by Sandi Somers

The Dawn of a New Year

 As I stand on the threshold of this new year, I'm reminded of how one of my ESL students from South Sudan described a yearly tradition in her tribe.

 On New Year’s Eve, the villagers gathered around the fire and in turn each family recollected the major themes of the past year--the highs, the lows, the challenges, the difficulties, the griefs, the accomplishments. Then the village elders responded with words of wisdom, encouragement, or advice as needed. My student said that sometimes if there were many difficulties to sort through among the villagers, this process could go on all night. I visualized the meeting concluding as the sun crept over the horizon the next morning, and as the villagers walked towards their homes, they left their last year behind them and anticipated the year ahead.

Looking back: Appraisal and reflection

I adopted this practice this year, setting aside specific time after Christmas to review and read my writing journal for last year and to prepare for 2023. While I wrote a 2022 retrospective in November, I wanted to delve further. Often in looking back I see major themes that escape me on a day-to-day basis. One such theme was a burst of writing creativity in late summer, with new ideas and greater productivity. Another theme stood out as I reread different phases of the year; particular scriptures became dominant to meet my need and give me both encouragement and God’s promises. God was so faithful last year, and He will continue to be faithful all through this next year.

 Looking forward: Anticipation and aspirations

Like other writers, I look forward to this year with anticipation, excitement, and enthusiasm. God has been prompting me to step out in faith to expand my repertoire of articles, promotion, and technical skills. Our (my) story of 2023 is yet to be written. The keys are to pray for God’s guidance and ask for a promise that God will confirm my way, meanwhile being diligent in my day-to-day duties and being open to new opportunities. God has often reminded me that He acts on our behalf: “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).

 Looking up: Attention and adoration.

Beyond looking back and forward, there’s a third dimension. We turn our faces up to see the Lord, hear Him, and feel or sense His presence. I’m reminded of our late InScriber Bryan Norford’s wisdom at the dawn of 2015:

Looking above for wisdom, infinitely greater than ours, will give us the clearest view of the future, enhancing whatever perception the past teaches us…Looking forward with Him provides direction and security for this life that no earthly wisdom can…Let’s look back with insight, but look forward with the joy of faith in God that begins by looking up.

 How important it is to look up to Him through this attentive lens; doing so awakens us to child-like wonder and adoration.  

 Prayer. God of the New Year, grant us eyes of anticipation in Your work in us and in the world. We look back and see Your faithfulness in 2022. Even though we can't see ahead into 2023, You know what’s in store for us. Fill us with anticipation, joy, and hope as we focus our attention on You. And may we end our prayers with adoration, rejoicing in all You’ve planned and prepared for us. 

Our aspiration: “The beginning of January is the 1^st blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” (adapted from Brad Paisley)

     

Unwavering Presence - Gloria Guest

 

 

Light, Mountain, Forgiveness, Redemption

Where is the light?

The Redemption and Forgiveness?

There is only this 

Mountain.

Better if I had picked three other words, 

To accompany me through the past year

Confusion, Anger, Despair.

Now, in the waning days of November

I stare up at that Mountain,

Standing on its rocky footstool,

I have barely even begun to climb.

I take in its height and incline,

I can't climb that, I think.

But here it is

It's not moving

And so, I must

Somehow.

I know it can only be done

By holding that same hand,

That brought me this far, through this year,

Of valleys and unexpected, twists and turns,

I hope I don't fall, I think

You might, I hear

But I've got you,

I always do.

And so, I gingerly step up and out 

Perhaps, I think, those other words

Light, Forgiveness, Redemption

Will track me into this new year,

Full of the unexpected,

Yet full of God's steady hand and 

Unwavering presence.

"Man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

Photo credit: Image by Kanenori from Pixabay

Gloria writes from Caron, Sk on issues close to her heart, through memoir, fiction, non-fiction & poetry. She has published many newspaper articles and columns throughout various newspaper in the province, has some pieces published in anthologies, and continues to take editing classes from SFU.

Dreams Unleashed by Lynn Dove

When I published my first book, Shoot the Wounded in 2009, I thought I had finally “arrived” as a published author.  Determined to make my young adult book into a series, I was thrilled to publish Heal the Wounded followed by Love the Wounded to complete the trilogy. Each book won some awards and accolades, and I was thankful for good reviews, but now as I notice the dust is starting to gather on the covers, I wonder if I should be thinking about writing another book. To be honest, I’m not overly  enthusiastic about the prospect. 

Over the last ten years, I have concentrated on writing short articles, publishing in several anthologies including the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I enjoy writing article pieces, and my blog, Journey Thoughts, has showcased my article writing as well as grow a reading audience through social media. As I have stated before, my blog allows me a writing ministry of encouraging fellow believers in their faith walks. For now, I believe God wants me to continue with my blogging ministry and put my time and effort into it rather than write another novel. 

So how can my writing dreams become unleashed if I am currently satisfied with the status quo, you might ask?  

As a writer, I am always looking for ways to hone my craft. I look for excellence in my writing. That is one reason I enjoy participating in writing groups, and socializing online with other Christian writers. InScribers and Word Guild members are so encouraging!  

I am looking for new ways to reach a larger readership for my blog. If I have a dream for my blog, it is to have one million active followers!  I have a good online presence but it could be better. I have thought about starting a YouTube channel or start a podcast, but I will admit I am extremely intimidated by speaking in front of an audience. I’m a writer, not a speaker!  Still, this may be a way to expand my ministry. 

I am in a transitional season in my writing career, I think. There are opportunities ahead, but I am content to stay where I am until God impresses upon me to move forward.  

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9 

  

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   

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   

A Season of Uncertainty by Lynn Dove

One of my favourite Scripture passages comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

When I was a young Mom, I lamented over the fact that I had no time to accomplish all the things I wanted to do during the day.  I was so busy chasing after two toddlers, caring for their needs as well as figuring out how to accommodate the schedule of my tweenager, there just didn't seem to be enough hours in the day to fit in other household chores, Bible studies, or eking out time for daily devotions.  I had no time for myself, let alone trying to have a date night with my husband.  Getting ready for Sunday morning worship services was a task all on its own, and I found myself so spiritually unprepared for the service because I knew I had probably broken a few commandments on route to church just wrestling kids into car seats! 

A Godly, older woman I admired for her strength of character and wise counsel, spoke into my life on numerous occasions.  This time she smiled at me sympathetically as I sought out her wisdom with regards to my time constraints and my guilt for not being a "perfect" wife and mother. 

"Lynn," she said calmly, "there is time for everything, and everything in its time.  This is an important season of life for you.  ALL seasons of life are important, and your walk with God will be different in each one, but your main priority in this one is looking after those three children.  God gave them to you.  They are His gifts to you.  They are your responsibility to train up in the way they should go so they will never depart from it.  You may not be able to spend time on doing everything on your "to do" list, but embrace this season of life.  It is fleeting. Your children are only babies for a short amount of time.  Enjoy this precious time with them.  There will come other seasons in your life, when they will be grown up and you will have time for all the things you may think you're missing out on now, but you'll never have that time back with your young children. So, take advantage of this season of life now before it's over and then prepare for the ones ahead."

My first cancer diagnosis in 2001, changed me in ways I never expected.  All of a sudden things that had been priorities before, now were not important.  I was fighting for my life, and all activities were put on hold as I battled.  My entire family joined me on the journey.  I am only now beginning to realize how that season of my life, affected each of my loved ones in a variety of emotional and spiritual ways.  We all grew in the Lord, especially my sixteen year old daughter.  She had to lean entirely on Him for wisdom and guidance as she took on the role of caregiver to her two much younger siblings when I was too sick to look after them myself.  She was determined to not burden me with the load she carried every day, trying to excel at school, and be available at home.  I didn't realize at the time what a toll it was on her, but I couldn't have managed without her. 

I was so immersed in the battle, I forgot time even existed.  My husband's role fluctuated daily with caring for me, his children and working full time too.  It was an exhausting season for him.  Then when I was declared cancer-free, I started to embrace life again.  As a family, we took a big breath of relief and started making plans again.  I lived one day at a time, thankful for each day.  I wrote my first book during that season, followed by two more in the years that followed my battle with breast cancer.  I went to seminary and got my Master's degree.  I helped plan my daughter's wedding.  I began blogging.  As I told everyone, who seemed to admire my new-found lease on life, I was a "thriver" not just a "survivor".  I embraced that season wholeheartedly.

When my two youngest children hit their teen and young adult years, they had outside interests that didn't include me.  I was so immersed pursuing my hobbies, my writing, and participating in Bible Studies, that I forgot my priorities.  Sometimes I over-extended myself, having the inability to say, "No" to some activities.  It came at the expense of spending good, quality time with my two adolescent children still living at home.  Even though I was involved in worthwhile activities, I was not as engaged with my younger kids at a time when they needed me most.  It was a hard lesson to learn and a hard season followed. 

It was only after they had both moved away from home that I remembered too late, the advice from my friend that time is indeed fleeting, and I should have embraced all those precious years more readily with each of my children.  It seemed I had squandered a lot of time "chasing after the wind" to find a lot of what I had accomplished meaningless.  I was unprepared for being an empty-nester and so I poured my heart out to God, asking Him for direction through this new stage of life, and try to redeem some time again with my adult children.  God was faithful.

I started to write again, particularly on my blog, Journey Thoughts.  As the readership and followers grew, I realized God was growing it from just a collection of my musings, to a full-fledged writing ministry. I was once again fully immersed in a new season of writing, reconnecting with my children, husband, and my church.  Grandchildren were born, and I found myself telling my adult children the same advice that was given to me when they were little: embrace this season with your young ones because it is fleeting.  Thankfully, they seem to be heeding that advice.

In April of this year, when I was starting to settle into a routine with blog writing, and was eagerly embracing the thought of spending my retirement years traveling with my husband, another cancer diagnosis, this time endometrial cancer, floored me.  Every plan I had made was immediately put on hold.  I once again had to re-evaluate what my priorities would be moving through a new season of uncertainty.  In the scheme of things, time cannot move fast enough to get me through this season, and yet, God is teaching me so much about Himself through this most challenging time, I hesitate to rush through it too fast for fear of missing out on all He wants me to learn. 

My life verse: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9, has brought me comfort through every one of my seasons.  God has faithfully brought me through every season of life and I know He will get me through the ones to follow. 

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   

Setting Sail by Lynn Dove

Forty years.  I can scarce recall what happened yesterday let alone four decades ago and yet on June 2nd I will have been married forty years.  I remember the day for the most part.  I remember I stressed over the fact that it rained the day before and the clouds looked ominous early that morning, but the rain never fell.  In fact, the sun radiated warmth all day and sitting on my parents' deck, trying to calm myself for the afternoon festivities, I actually got a little sun-burned.  It didn't matter.  I was getting married and nothing could spoil the day.

I don't actually remember getting into my wedding dress, or the short drive to the church in my father's big, blue Oldsmobile Cutlass.  The photographer took a picture of me being helped out of the car by my Dad, who reached for my hand and smiled at me.  If it weren't for that picture, I might have wondered if I had somehow been Star Trek-like transported to the church.  I don't remember walking up the stairs of the church with my best friend leading the way.  As the only bridesmaid, she was the centre of attention as she walked the aisle on the arm of my fiancé's best friend.  I remember we had to wait, my Dad and I, behind a closed door while my bridesmaid and groomsman strolled casually down to the front of the church.  Then it was our turn.  Dad kissed me on the cheek.  "Ready?" he said.  I must have nodded because somehow I found myself at the front of the church and standing next to the man I was going to marry.

I know the church was full of people, but I was too nervous to acknowledge any of them.  I don't remember the Pastor's words.  I was thankful someone had the presence of mind to tape the entire service on a cassette tape so I could listen to it months later.  I remember looking at Charles, who looked nervous, which was odd, because he was always so stoic and unflustered.  He smiled and my heart melted.  We would be okay.  We had no idea what the next day would hold, or the week, or months and finally years ahead of us would look like for us.  We held hands, exchanged our vows and pledged before God and our families and friends that we would love one another "'till death do us part".  It was enough.

Forty years.  2 miscarriages.  3 children.  4 grandchildren.  Numerous pets.  5 homes.  Countless cars.  Job changes.  Health scares.  Career changes.  Camping trips.  Family vacations.  Holidays.  Forty Christmases, Easters, and Thanksgivings.  Forty years of memory-making.  Forty years of holding hands, praying together, and leaning on God for our daily bread.  Forty years claiming His promises, and letting Him lead and guide us.  Constantly repeating the life verse we chose together forty years ago: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  Proverbs 16:9.

As retirement looms ahead for us, we are not content with sitting in rocking chairs and wiling away the days in relax mode.  We are celebrating our fortieth anniversary going on a Mediterranean Cruise.  It's a first for us, one we hope will mark the first of many travel adventures together in our future.  We love exploring new places and experiencing new things.

We are blessed that all three of our children and their families live close by so we can continue to memory-make with them, indulge our grandbabies, and watch them grow up.  We will be celebrating the wedding of our youngest daughter next year.  It will be a blessed event.  I'm sure there will be other momentous events in our future.

As we set sail in a few months I can't help but think that we are charting a new course, my husband and I.  Retirement is like sailing into new territory.  What sites will we see?  What will we experience?  Who will we meet?  What new memories will we make?  We've had our share of many peaceful cruises on life's ocean, intermingled with some unexpected tidal surges and rough waves over these past forty years.  Still, we keep walking hand in hand, looking forward, full speed ahead, our eyes focused on the horizon and praying for calm waters in the years ahead.  I look forward to where God will direct us over the next forty years!

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  

Incentives to Write - by Sandi Somers

New Year’s Greetings for 2019 to everyone!!

January is usually the time we write new goals for the coming year. This month, our writers will look deeper, exploring incentives that help them keep on track with their writing goals.

Goals and Goads?

Several years ago while reading comments on a blog about goals, I came to this typo: “I have realised the importance of writing the goads down.”  (She wasn’t an InScriber. Whew!!)

This writer spoke more truth than she realized.

Now a goad is a club, sometimes with sharp nails, that ancient farmers used to get a balky ox to cooperate. While Saul (later called the Apostle Paul) was persecuting Christians, God was speaking to him, but he was kicking against the goads (Acts 26:14).

Sometimes we need goads—er—incentives to keep us on track with our goals.

* * *

Our Courage, God's Strength

Humour aside, as I was thinking of this blog, God brought to mind the following verse:

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 31:24).

God was prompting me to rethink "incentives" from the viewpoints of my courage and His strength.

Courage to bring my goals before God

God has a message for me to write and speak, and opportunities come up that point me in His direction. For example, this Fall I was given an opportunity to lead a healing prayer time on a mission trip to Haiti (to come in February). This project involves preparing a training seminar for Haitian prayer leaders. I needed to write a training manual so that it can be translated into Haitian Creole.

God’s strength and inspiration to focus on this project comes with His reminder: “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Courage to set long-term goals while focusing on short-term plans.

          While attending one writers’ conference, I found a secret that made sense to me: to break down my goals into three-month or even one-month or weekly plans. This helped keep my focus whereas longer goals sometimes got derailed by other life events.

          God’s strength comes from His promise: “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure” (Proverbs 4:26).

Courage to keep my vision in mind when other events in life overtake me.

          One of my coaches suggested that when life takes over, we still write for five or ten minutes each day—a thought, an idea. It may not seem like much, but it captures a key component which contributes to one of my current projects. And often those five minutes add up to a few more moments stolen from a busy day.

God’s strength comes with His promise: “May your strength be sufficient for each day you live" (Deuteronomy 33:25).

* * *  

What incentives keep you on track with what you hope to achieve? How are God's nudgings part of your incentives?

You may wish further suggestions. These blogs (Jeff Goins here, James Clear on repetitions here and our own InScribe Shirley Tye here) may give you some food for thought.

An Author’s First Book by Sandi Somers

Many people have dreamed of writing a book.

Author Madeleine L’Engle said she wrote her first book when she was five years old, a book called, “Gurl.” 

Margaret Atwood’ first was a book of poems, Double Persephone, written when she was twenty-one. She hand-bound copies and sold the books herself, winning the E. J. Pratt Medal. (Recently I checked Amazon to see if any copies were still available: a signed copy was listed at US $4,000, or $5,136 Canadian.)

 I began my dream in high school, with as-yet unformed ideas about what to write and how I would go about it.

Then in my twenties I was ministry support teacher in Colombia. I kept a journal and copies of my letters to family, supporters and friends, with the intent to someday write my memoir.

Some years later I selected a highlight—an extended trip through Colombia--and wrote a small book. It was modest; I photocopied it for my mom, a few close friends and my missionary companion that Christmas. (Success!!)

Still later I attempted writing the whole memoir.

I started well, with chapters of God’s confirmation to go, my first days, the culture shock. But then I got bogged down.

I got bogged down with complexities and interpersonal difficulties I saw on our mission station. How could I bring in realism but show compassion and understanding—or could I even write about them? Then I read about myself as a timid young woman facing tough issues (some issues that in retrospect have obvious solutions). How could I expose my vulnerabilities?  Or could I?

Annie Dillard, an American Pulitzer Prize winner, said that, “a work in progress quickly becomes feral. It reverts to a wild state overnight.” How true!

When you cannot go on, she said, you’ve discovered a fatal flaw.

Perhaps it’s the structure, or perhaps the logic has a hairline fracture that will shortly split up the middle. “If you pursue your present course, the book will explode or collapse.”

The book collapsed and I stopped writing.

So.

What would I do if I were to pick up and complete that book? (Writing this blog post has been a wonderful diagnosis!)

Decide on a focus. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian literary giant,  put it so clearly: “What is the question that this book asks?” In other words, what is the focus, the theme? I had so many new and different experiences in Colombia; I would need to narrow my story to bring in unity.

Ask: Who is my audience? Answering that question would help to clarify my focus. My family? People wanting to gain an understanding of living cross-culturally? Those wanting to understand a young woman’s psychological and spiritual journey? Those wanting to understand missionary life?

Choose the sharpest and most essential events, Solzhenitsyn said. Of course! They’re the highlights within the focus. Some memoir instructors said to start with ten highlights, and the structure will gradually take place.

Edit and revise what I’ve written. As an unknown author said, “Just take one article and begin again.”

Get feedback: from beta readers, from my writing group, from writers in residences, from contest critiques. Perhaps I could still benefit by taking an online course in writing memoirs.

Publish some chapters. (Which I’ve begun doing). Some chapters can stand alone, and publishing would be a great incentive to keep going.

Be patient and persistent. A number of authors have said that it takes two to ten years to complete a book. The gift of determined plodding would be an asset here.

Will I ever complete that book? I don’t know. But this summer I’m taking time to pray and wait before God for His way forward in my writing.

          “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps”

                                (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).

* * *

Now it’s your turn.

Tell us about your first book. Was it a childhood project like Madeleine L’Engle’s? Was it a book you published, and if so, what success did it bring you?  On the other hand, maybe your first book is in folders in your computer. Or sitting in a closet under a pile of other items. Or in a landfill. Perhaps your first book is still a dream.  Or maybe you haven’t dared to dream—yet.

      Whatever your story, tell us about it. 

Journey Food by Lynn Dove

I love this month's theme about which Scripture verses keep me nourished as a writer...

As with all Scripture that feeds my spirit as well as my writer's heart, it's hard to pinpoint just one verse that encapsulates the journey.  My blog, "Journey Thoughts" is all about my journeying with God through the mountain top and valley experiences of life.  A writer faces those same peaks and lows: the first time an article/book is published, or the first (of many) rejection letters.  My writing career has seen its share of highs and lows but through it all the Word of God is constant and unchanging!  It encourages me throughout my writing process and transforms my heart to not give up when I'm faced with those discouraging moments.

There are two passages of Scripture that I have displayed prominently as I write:

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

The first passage my husband and I chose as our life verse when we got married 39 years ago on June 2nd.  Over those many years, there have been so many numerous twists and turns on life's journey together they are too numerous to recount.  Whatever road we walked, whether in plenty or in want, joy or in sorrow, sickness and in health, we learned to lean on and trust in God.  Sometimes we tried to navigate on our own strength, and that's when we had to reclaim Proverbs 16:9 and submit to God again to chart our course, because His way was (is) always the best way!

That verse has also guided my writing through these many years.  I did not ever intend to be a published author, but God had a different plan!  With three books published, and numerous articles and stories published in anthologies and magazines, I still am humbled and amazed by where God has taken me with my writing.  All Glory goes to Him!

The second verse in 1 Peter, is actually a call to minister, and the responsibility that involves.  To those of us who have been called by God to write, we are ministers of our words.  It is a privilege but also an awesome responsibility to write so others may be kingdom-affected.  I purposely changed the verse to make it even more applicable to me as a writer. 

"“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks (writes), they should do so as one who speaks (writes) the very words of God. If anyone serves (writes), they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things (writings) God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.” 

This keeps me very mindful that to write is a gift from God.  Writing should bring Him Glory, and I must write thoughtfully and carefully so that my words do not bring dishonour to Him.

Amen.

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 

New Year's Resolutions - Lynn Dove

I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions.  Perhaps it’s because I fail so miserably at keeping most New Year’s resolutions that I make.  It is so very discouraging for me.  I have these lofty goals and have such good intentions but a week into the New Year and I’m already making excuses or giving up entirely on any resolution-keeping I may have made.  The same is equally true when it comes to making writing goals for the New Year.  I have these lofty ambitions, I make writing deadlines for myself, schedule my days and then inevitably something comes up and I have to scrap my plans and start all over. 

A writer’s life is full of lofty goals and ambitions, but it is also filled with distractions, re-writes, re-writes, rewrites…and occasionally scrapping the project entirely and starting from scratch.  *sigh*

My life verse is, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9  I have embraced that verse because I have learned that if I make any kinds of plans on my own, I have to be willing to also look out for the God-sized U-turns that may have me scrap my original plans and follow another course direction that He has set for me.  Faith is all about setting off in an entirely new direction, knowing that His leading is always best.

 When I make my own plans, I tend to fail.  I don’t have the stamina or the endurance to stay the course.  New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside.  Writing projects get put aside and artistic procrastination sets in.  I’m the queen of excuses when it comes to keeping writing deadlines.  Distractions abound that seem to take far more precedence than my writing.  Again, all my best laid plans tend to dissolve and another opportunity for writing ministry wasted.

With New Year’s resolutions, the only way I can succeed is if I know there is a greater goal in keeping them.  For example, I have been told by my doctor that I must walk more to stave off a chronic health issue.  The quest for fitness is not just a New Year’s resolution now, it is necessary for long term health.  That’s important to me because I’ve got to keep up with very active grandbabies!  With a new, more purposeful focus, I can be disciplined and stretch towards the finish line.  Unfortunately, I will fail in the attempt, if I think I can do this on my own.  Prayer and a good accountability partner will guarantee a positive result.  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  Phil. 4:13

 It is the same with writing.  I consider my writing a ministry.  As soon as I refocus on why I write in the first place, I can rededicate myself to the task at hand.  I am not writing for myself.  Every project, every article is ultimately to bring Glory to God.  I believe God is actively involved in leading me to those writing projects He wishes me to contribute to, and He is with me throughout the writing process.  He requires me to be disciplined in setting goals and keeping them.  It is important that I pray for His direction throughout the process. 

If you are setting writing goals for the coming year, here are a few scripture verses to ponder:

“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”  Psalm 45:1

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

And lastly, I sometimes replace the words “speaks” with “writes” in the following verse to further encourage and challenge me as a writer.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

You can find other encouraging verses for writers on my website.

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