The Hug that Unlocked My Heart by Steph Beth Nickel

 

A few months ago, still in the thick of COVID restrictions, we helped dear friends move. They have regularly helped us. So, we volunteered without hesitation.

Sandra has had the best parts of 100 surgeries on her leg and several hospital stays. Because of the extreme pain she regularly experiences, we don't get together as often as either of us would like. Even so, I consider her one of my dearest friends.

Let me take you back to our first encounter on the phone. Her family had just begun attending our church. Because she was at a physical low point, she had not yet joined them. I, therefore, didn't know if her hubby was a single dad or if she was a believer. I called to see if her family would be attending the potluck at the church and to ask what they'd be bringing. I didn't feel I was being abrupt, but it came across that way.

Years later, long after we'd become great friends, she admitted that, as a result of our first telephone conversation, she thought I didn't like her. Never underestimate the impact of your interactions with others, especially those first conversations.

I laugh and cringe when I think back on this revelation. I'm so incredibly thankful for God's mercy and grace and the precious friendship that has developed over the last almost 30 years.

Until the pandemic hit, four couples would regularly get together at a restaurant during the Christmas season to enjoy one another's company. I deemed our group the Crazy Eights. Trust me. The staff and other patrons were glad when we had a table off in a quiet corner because it wouldn't be quiet for long. Let's just say, we enjoyed one another's company—a. lot.

I consider these get-togethers among my happiest memories. Even though the restrictions have eased some, for various reasons, I'm not sure we'll all get together anytime soon. 

Another memory stands out in my mind. I spent an hour or so visiting with Sandra when she was in the hospital many years ago. As I was leaving, she matter-of-factly stated, "I love you." I was blown away. Although I'd heard those words countless times over the years, never before had a friend said them so unironically, so naturally, so surprisingly.

This is the kind of friend Sandra has been over the years, despite the fact that she originally thought that I didn't like her. So, you can see why it was a no-brainer to help this precious family relocate—thankfully, not too far away.

Well, as I was standing in her new kitchen, Sandra gave me a hug. Not a shoulder squeeze. A full-fledged hug. 

And that's when it happened ...

The door to a room in my heart that I didn't even know was shut, locked, and barred closed swung WIDE OPEN.

All because of a hug.

Some of you have lost loved ones to COVID, and my heart hurts for you.

Some of you have contracted the virus and are still suffering its long-term effects. May God strengthen you and restore you to full health.

While we may not have been impacted so directly, I believe we've all suffered loss because of COVID-19. 

I wasn't aware how desperately I needed a hug from a friend. It's such a simple act, but one with unimaginable power.

If you're not comfortable hugging or shaking hands at this point, don't underestimate the power of a phone call; an in-person physically distanced visit; or a card popped into the mail.

You may be the one with a hurting heart or you may be instrumental in healing someone else's hurt. Most likely, a simple act of love will unlock both your hearts and fill a void neither of you may have been aware of.

No wonder the Bible says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother [or sister] is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17 ESV).

Come to Me by Susan Barclay

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” says the Lord, “and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

This seems to be God’s message for me this year as I seek to centre and focus on Him: Come to me, learn who I am, and find rest.

The scripture writing plan I followed for January centred on God with me; I am never alone. What a wonderful reminder to begin a new year. As a result of my reading, a key verse soon revealed itself: 

“Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:25-26).

God is my strength. When I think of His love for me, how can I not be encouraged? Consider this: 

“He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). 

Wow. Those words give life. His Word gives refreshment (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11).


I also find refreshment outdoors. When I go for a walk and take in the beauty of nature, I inhale deeply, my lungs fill up with air, and I feel that I can breathe again. The feeling of things closing in on me, or even just the stuffiness of the house, vanishes. I see God’s handiwork and am assured that the universe and planet Earth are not some random product that just happened to come together by accident. Our world is detailed, it’s ordered. God has a plan and a purpose for it, and He has a plan and a purpose for me. My story might be messy but God is weaving something beautiful with its strands.

Often I use my walking time to pray aloud. In the old days, neighbours might have wondered about the “crazy lady, talking to herself”—not so much today with our modern Bluetooth technology! They just don’t know that I’m communicating with the Lord, sharing my heart with Him and hearing His heart for me. Prayer is a pause that refreshes. Like reading the Bible, it’s a form of meditation, even if I’m not quiet about it!

Sometimes, though, God knows I need others. He’s been good in bringing godly people alongside me, people who pour into my life instead of draining me dry. Time spent with them is like drinking from a fountain. Being able to talk together about spiritual things from a common perspective is a blessing. Our tanks get filled with living water and the knowledge that our journey is communal. We are all waiting on the Lord with hope and expectation for answers to prayer and for the day He will make all things right.

Finally, I can’t imagine my life without music for my soul. Just as we open worship services with music, my day starts best when I begin with singing or listening to songs that centre on the Lord. Last month I mentioned several that came to mind as I considered my word of the year, but over the past few weeks, a couple more have really taken hold in my heart. I leave you with them and invite you to use them in your own personal refreshing today as you Come to Him.

_________________________
You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

Some Encouraging Words by Nina Faye Morey

God’s Word Spurs Me On

What’s in a word? Words have power. Words can tear down, or they can build up. Our faith is built on the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:5). God created our world with His words (Genesis 1:3). God’s only Son, Jesus, is called “The Word” (John 1:1). Our hope is founded on The Word of Life: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Just as God begat the world with His words, He wants us Christian writers to create something with our words. It’s no wonder that we feel a deep desire to use our words to honour and glorify Him. It’s also not surprising that we feel spurred on to use our words to encourage and build each other up in our faith and writing. We write to celebrate God and His Word. We write to spread the Good News of His love and grace to others. We strive to be faithful to God’s Word with our own words. We are not motivated to write in order to profit ourselves, but we write to profit others by sharing His Word (2 Corinthians 2:17).

It wasn’t long after I recommitted my life to the Lord, that He led me to 1 Corinthians 12, which gives Paul’s descriptions of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As I studied this passage, I felt inspired to use the gift of writing God had given me to bear witness to Him and glorify His name. As I prayed to the Lord for more guidance, I sensed Him spurring me on to write about my personal experiences to witness to and encourage others. So, I turned to Christ’s parables to learn how He used everyday experiences to illustrate the lessons He preached. As I studied these parables, I realized that I had stories to share that might encourage others as they travelled their own spiritual paths.

Through these stories, I endeavour to show my readers the power of God’s love, and I hope they’ll feel comforted, encouraged, and blessed by my words. But before I put my pen to paper or my fingers on the keyboard, I always ask the Lord to inspire, guide, and empower me to use the right words to reach reader’s hearts and encourage them in their life and faith.

Fellow InScribers Spur Me On

Belonging to InScribe is one of the best decisions I’ve made as a Christian writer. I love InScribe because it’s truly a “fellowship” of writers who are believers like me. It’s an organization that provides many opportunities for its members to openly share both their faith and their writing. Writers often tread a lonely path, but we needn’t feel alone. There are several ways we can spur one another on, no matter where each of us is on our spiritual journey or that bumpy path to publication.

Being a writer is not an easy career—our craft is a challenging one. InScribe is a fellowship in which we’re allowed to boast about our publishing triumphs and bewail our rejection slips. When we’re feeling down and discouraged, we encourage one another to keep the faith, to keep on writing, and to keep on submitting. When we begin to drown in doubt, there are always fellow InScribers ready to buoy us up. InScribers have the heart of Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:26). We’re each other’s cheerleaders, always ready to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

What encouraging words have you spoken to spur someone on today?

Photo Credits: Pixabay

No Longer Alone by Tandy Balson

When I started writing I enjoyed the support and encouragement of my husband and a close friend. Since I had no intention of writing for a larger audience this was enough.

God had other plans for me and soon my sporadic hobby became more focused. I felt compelled to write and the words he gave me cried out to be shared.

My husband realized I would need contact with other writers long before I did. He saw a notice in our local paper about a writer's group that met weekly at the library and suggested I check it out. I didn't consider myself a writer so was reluctant, but knew he wouldn't let me off the hook until I attended one of their meetings.

What I found was a small, dedicated group mostly comprised of poets. None wrote from a Christian perspective and I felt out of place. They were welcoming and interested in what I wrote. The next week I returned and shared one of my stories. It didn't take long before these people were no longer strangers and I was part of the group.

When my first book was published, these new friends gave up their regular meeting in order for me to hold a book launch at the library. Their support and encouragement gave me much needed confidence. I still attend this group.

After a couple of years I longed to find a group where I could advance my writing skills in conjunction with others who shared my Christian faith. Through a series of events God led me to Ruth Snyder. She told me about InScribe and I had no doubt this was what I was looking for.

My life has been enriched through the writers I've since met, both in person and online. When I attended my first Fall Conference I felt as though I'd come home. The genuine caring and support was like nothing I had ever experienced. Published authors were happy to share their knowledge and experience with those just staring out. I came home inspired and encouraged.

I prayed for a chapter to start in my area so I could immerse myself even more. The mentoring and relationships were things I desperately wanted.

Again, God's plans were slightly different than mine. Instead of joining a group, I am now co-leading one. The men and women attending are all brand new writers with a desire to serve God through the written word.

I don't feel equipped to lead a group. They need so much more than I can offer them. When I asked for guidance InScribe was there to provide me with resources.  I'm now encouraging the participants  to attend the Spring WorDshop in our area. My hope is that they will join the membership and be inspired and blessed as I have been in this fellowship.

Connection Through Service by Karma Pratt

Sometimes life can feel lonely, and we experience sadness in the midst of our days. As a writer, this can be magnified by our solitary pursuit, and the time dedicated to putting words on paper.

I find healing through writing. Pouring the words from my heart out onto the page, no matter the purpose, provides a cathartic release for all the parts of me that I've kept bottled up. Whether it's a devotional column destined for FellowScript, a blog post, or a journal entry between me and God, writing is the conduit through which grace flows. 

God knows my heart, and my weakness. He knows my inclination to retreat, and isolate myself from others. Knowing this, he set me up for success when he introduced me to InScribe (through a friend of a friend, no less!) This writing community is the place where I have "come home" to my writing, and found the encouragement and inspiration to continue pushing past my comfort zone into the life and work God has called me to.

I am a very new member to InScribe, having attended my first Fall Conference in September 2015. I was so excited to participate in the conference. I could see God's hand at work in every interaction. I remember sitting next to Bobbi Junior, introducing ourselves during a workshop icebreaker. She told me she wanted to "sit on her hands" when the call came to fill Executive positions, but she volunteered anyway, because that's what God wanted her to do.

Those words proved prophetic for me. When the call came for volunteers at the 2015 AGM, I tried to sit on my hands as well, but God had other plans. I was called to serve InScribe as a member of the Executive.

My connection with the other members of the board has helped me grow significantly as a writer. I very quickly saw the places where I could help contribute to the success of InScribe, while honing my writing skills and learning so much about the craft of writing in the process. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in professional communication to serve this community. 

Perhaps you feel isolated too? If you can't quite shake that loneliness, or sadness you're experiencing now, reach out to this community of heartfelt, faith-driven writers. Send a quick email or text. Make a call. Reach out to your InScribe family. Don't allow isolation to have the final say. 

This is the beauty of belonging to an organization of Christ followers. We are all seeking His face. We're tuned into the frequency that God's broadcasting on in our lives. We are here for each other.

If you're struggling in any way, know that you're not alone. If you find you have a tendency to turtle like I do, get involved on a deeper level. Volunteer to help out with something. It can be easy to not check Listserv messages, or breeze through the latest copy of FellowScript. Offering up your hands and hearts for service within this community is way to ensure a stronger connection between yourself and your fellow writers.

I am so thankful for the amazing writers God has brought alongside me to walk this path. Life doesn't seem so lonely anymore. 

The song below is called Great are you Lord, by All Sons and Daughters. I am so encouraged by this song. It seemed like a good one to share. Be blessed, everyone.

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. 

You can find Karma online at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn, or check out the Passionate. Persistent. Vibrant. Life. Project! 

HIBERNATION by Bryan Norford

Hmmm. If salting oneself away at a computer is hibernation, then I guess I hibernate all year! Mind you, I’m glad just to look at the weather this winter.

My desk faces a picture window looking over university lands, and I relish the thought that weather doesn’t interfere with the delightful task of writing. My sympathies to Glynis and others who have not been so fortunate.

But hibernation is selfish, isn’t it? Although against my isolationist tendency, we continue our writer’s group, Write Clique through the winter. So much for hibernation!

So below is my New Year letter to our group for others of you that participate in writing groups. Obviously, our schedule and practice will not suit everyone, but I trust there are some ideas that will encourage and spark interest.

Happy New Year to all you Write Cliquers:

Reviewing the past, I note that Write Clique has been going for just over two years, our first meeting on Thursday September 22, 2011.

All those who joined us during the following months are still with us, if not always able to attend—all except Chloe Collin who absconded with a man of her choice to Medicine Hat. Congratulations Chloe: keep on writing!

We are now about fourteen, and we expect our attendance to vary between eight and a dozen, depending on other commitments and priorities. This is particularly true as we will now meet twice a month to allow extra opportunities for those who cannot attend regularly.

We measure our success, not by numbers, but by the enjoyment and encouragement many of you have expressed. Not only that, books have been written by our members during that time, while others of you have issued other writings as the Lord has directed you.

Our main aim is to encourage new writers—as most of us are—against the discouragement of other priorities, people’s attitudes, and setbacks we all experience. As we are gifted and led by the Lord into writing, it’s essential we receive the fellowship and support of other writers like ourselves.

As we discussed at our 2013 wind up last November, we will meet on the second and fourth Thursdays each month. Winter dates are as follows: January 9 and 23, February and March 13 and 27. Please make a note of the dates, even if you can’t attend.

Our time will be 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. sharp!! We want to make the most of the time we have. Our schedule will be as follows, timing somewhat flexible:

7.00 Opening prayer, two minute devotional, and sharing. Sharing is not compulsory, but gives opportunity for discussing plans, dreams, progress, setbacks or difficulties for prayer and assistance if needed.

7.45 Instruction. This will be fairly basic, aimed at our general level of writing. I will give some and have others more experienced to share their knowledge in this slot also.

8.30 Fellowship. A time for one on one conversation and encouragement over coffee—decaf, tea, or other sleepy beverage.

For our first meeting, January 9, following our sharing time, I will share with you some resources I found helpful in ensuring work aims at a professional quality—essential if we desire to publish our work.

For other Thursdays, Craig Funston will talk about common grammar and word use mistakes, and Ruby Cleroux will discuss the basics for fiction writing. I’m open to suggestions for other ideas you’d find helpful.

So, we look forward to seeing you next Thursday

May God bless you all richly in 2014,
Bryan

Strengthened Purpose Through Fellowship - Tracy Krauss

I have the privilege, on occasion, to hang out with a wonderful group of writers from my area. The "Peace Region Writers' are an Inscribe satellite group, and we met this past Friday to share some writing, chat, and encourage one another. Even though I can't make it to every meeting, (it's a two hour drive for me) I take every opportunity that presents itself. It just happened that I was doing a book signing the next day in Fort St. John, BC. which is very near where the group meets, so I made the necessary arrangements.

What is it about meeting with other writers that is so invigorating? It's not as if we accomplished a lot, in practical terms, but I don't think that is the point. Writing can be a solitary experience at times. We get very caught up in our own thoughts and sometimes those thoughts need to be shared in order for us to see them from a fresh perspective. As well, 'fellow-shipping' with people of like mind and interests reminds us that we're not alone in our compulsion to write. As Christians, we may get lots of fellowship from our church family, but not everyone within that circle will understand our love of the written word or our need to put thoughts on 'paper', metaphorically speaking.

As part of our evening, one of our members shared a devotional she had written on 'unmet expectations'. One line in particular stood out as she talked about the disciples and how they also had to grapple with unmet expectations. She said something to the effect that they "watched as their expectations dripped into a pool of blood at Jesus feet." Wow. That's a profound thought with all kinds of layers of meaning, especially as we just celebrated the death and resurrection of our Lord. It proved that what might have seemed like failure to the human mind was actually the greatest triumph in history.

I came away with a renewed sense of my own purpose as a writer. He has called each one of us to use the gifts He had provided, no matter how 'successful' we might appear to the world's standards. God can indeed, use ink, even if it is only shared among a circle of amateurs.

(Thanks to Gwen Koop, part of the "Peace Region Writers', for her wonderful devotional series, which I referred to above.)

Thin Spots - Marcia Lee Laycock

The day was glorious, full of sunshine and light, full of fellowship and a strong sense of belonging. It was all the more significant to me because I was not in my home church. I was in a beautiful little church in a tiny village in Nova Scotia Canada. And I felt right at home.

We sang a few songs, led by the pastor and a worship band, then one of the leaders stood to talk about all the upcoming events at the church. He did so with a flourish that made us laugh often. Then he grew a bit more serious and said he knew of an old Scottish legend about "thin spots." They are described as places where we sense we are close to heaven. He sincerely hoped we would all feel that we'd been in a "thin spot" by the end of the service.

I realized at that moment that we were already in that place, whether or not we were all feeling it. No doubt there were people there who were not - people who were feeling dry spiritually, people who were angry with one another, people who were angry with God. No doubt there were people there whose pain blocked any sense of heaven whatsoever.

But that does not change the reality. Jesus promised - "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). When God's people gather to praise Him, we not only draw close to heaven, God comes to us - He is in our midst! What an amazing thought.

Even more amazing is the reality that He is always with us - not just when we're in a church building, not just when we're singing songs of praise. He is with us when we're dry and angry and so overcome by pain that we can't see or hear or feel anything else. He is right there beside us, waiting for us to turn to Him, waiting for us to acknowledge Him, waiting for us to cry out to Him. And He will never walk away. We are His people. He is our God.

Everywhere is a "thin spot." Glory be to God.