Goals Within My Soul by Alan Anderson

 

Writing Prompt

When I think of setting goals, whether long-term or short-term, I clothe them in a blanket of hope. As I pondered the prompt for this month, it moved me deep inside. I cannot fully explain why, but perhaps my response here will give at least some idea of what is going on inside my soul.

My Inner Landscape

A personal goal for this writer is to nurture my inner landscape to concentrate on peace, hope, beauty, and whatever things are lovely. This might sound lofty, but please allow me to explain in the rest of this post.

One of my favourite writers, the late John O’Donohue said,

“When we awaken to the call of beauty, we become aware of new ways of being in the world. We were created to be creators. At its deepest heart, creativity is meant to serve and evoke beauty. When this desire and capacity come alive, new wells spring up in parched ground; difficulty becomes invitation and rather than striving against the grain of our nature, we fall into rhythm with its deepest urgency and passion. The time is now ripe for beauty to surprise and liberate us…” ¹

I appreciate John O’Donohue’s statement, so included it as part of one of my goals. I pray, dear readers, you will accept my reasoning for highlighting O’Donohue’s words.

I am disheartened at the direction our culture in the West has taken. Especially in the last ten years or so, there has been such a division among people. For instance, people have invented the term “hate speech” to use when they disagree with each other. I just don’t understand such flawed reasoning. People act “offended” if something opposes their sensitive feelings. Lord have mercy on us.

Beauty, loveliness, and peace appear overshadowed by misguided views on life. A society where everyone does that which is right in their own eyes curtails even hope.

I pray to God I will no longer follow the foolishness of the world, but in my small way, will be an agent for change. May groups like InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship allow beauty to surprise and liberate us, to the glory of God.

With the previous statements in mind, I come to another goal of like mind.

Social Media

I plan to reduce my involvement with so-called “social” media platforms. To me, scrolling on Facebook and the like has no value or edification. I can stay in contact with people I care about through email, or even better, personal contact. I hope that I can stay in contact, for instance, with InScribe members through email. I don’t know of InScribe members close to where I live, but perhaps in time more will be up and coming.

My Website and Substack

For the sake and purpose of much of my writing, I will develop more of a presence on my website and Substack. Lord willing, Substack will remain useful to serious writers.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocate for myself regarding chronic health conditions I now live with. I need to maintain good health to move my writing forward. A reason for this self-advocacy is that I conclude through experience not everything health professionals tell me is helpful.

Grandparent grief

I also intend to devote more of my writing projects to being a voice for grandparent grief. For instance, I hope to publish my book, Forgotten Voices: Poetic Utterances of Grandparent Grief and Hope, in 2027.

A Need for personal interaction

A goal for the year 2027 is to make regular connections with InScribe writers and other writers locally. I will also ask my local church community if anyone would like to be part of a church-based writing group.

Orthodox Christian Church

Write an essay on the conversion of my wife and I to the Orthodox Christian Church and post it on Substack. After forty years as Baptists, being embraced by the Orthodox Church has come with no regrets. The depth of this ancient Church is a balm to our souls, and we rejoice now even more in the faithfulness and grace of God. Glory to God in all things!

InScribe

I thank God for being part of InScribe for the past eleven years. I look forward to continuing with you all as we write and offer ministry to each other and our readers.



Citations
¹O’Donohue, John (Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, 2004), 7.

 

In Deroche, a small farming village area of British Columbia, Alan shares his home with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. Alan and Terry are grandparents of six grandchildren plus five grandbabies in heaven. Alan enjoys walking on the dike near his home, with trees all around and where he finds inspiration to write. In summer, however, he loves to hide in the shade from the warm summer sun. Alan is more of a friend of fall. He has occasionally written articles for FellowScript Magazine and is a regular contributor to the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship blog. Alan’s website and blog are https://scarredjoy.ca. He also writes on Substack.

Lucky 13 Things in Four Months by Bob Jones

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

We were asked to write about ten things we'll be doing in the next four months. My first thought was, “Only ten?” And then I read the rest of the prompt and saw that we could choose any number we like. So, I cooked up a baker’s dozen.

I'm lucky, or blessed I get to do these.

Number 1

In November my wife and I will be leaving for a month for Ukraine. It is an arduous journey for 70+ year-olds, flying from Edmonton to Toronto to Krakow, then transferring to a van to cross the Polish/Ukrainian border and arrive in Lviv. After teaching for a week in a seminary there'll be more cars, vans, and trains deep into eastern Ukraine.

The two days before writing this post have been the worst of the entire 4 /12 year war in Ukraine. Massive missile, rocket, and drone attacks with horrendous deaths of children and civilians. The most tragic happened on Ukrainian Knowledge Day, the first day back to school, September 1st. Imagine your children or grandchildren with no sleep the night before because of air raids, trying to find refuge in a bomb shelter and the next morning getting dressed up to go to school and gather again in a bomb shelter.

If you know Ukrainians, you won't be surprised that the children sing in those situations.

Number 2 

In the meantime, my wife and I are raising funds to assist in rebuilding churches and deliver humanitarian aid to the front lines. Our goal is $20,000CAN. We’re at $12,500 and change.

Number 3 

I've been writing a seven-session curriculum for pastors over the last nine months. After recruiting and training 25 facilitators and apprentices, we launched the cohorts September 1^st across Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Number 4

I'm overseeing the translation and production of a book in Ukrainian for pastors.

Number 5 

And I decided that I should endeavor to keep my mind sharp and started a Masters of Leadership and Systems (MALTS) at Briercrest College. That begins in six days.

Number 6 

Before we leave for Ukraine, I'll be traveling to the Maritimes to work with pastors in Halifax and neighbouring communities, as well as up to Peace Country in Alberta, down to Calgary, and just West of Edmonton in Spruce Grove. We’ll be working as teams to listen to God’s voice and discern the Spirit’s specific vision for each church to reach their community with the love of Jesus.

Number 7

My practise for the last seven years was to write three blogs a week for REVwords. Most likely, and prudently, I will have to cut back back to two or even possibly one per week with all that's going on.

Number 8

The blog content will be heavy on justice in Alberta and Ukraine. I’ll be speaking on those subjects in churches over the next four months. I imagine I'll be extra engaged prior to October 19^th and the Alberta referendum. I also post on Substack.

Number 9

My to-read list consists of books that would source my knowledge in theology and justice. And my college textbooks will make the list a little longer.

Number 10

This week I start writing a seminary course for Growing an Effective Great Commission Church, to be completed by November 1st.

Number 11 

I've been asked to write social media prayers for Alberta MLAs in support of Pray Alberta. Isn’t that great?!

Number 12 

As well, I write prayers for Ukraine. That’s better than bombs.

Number 13

I will be experimenting on how to add an extra day of work to each week over the next four months.  

What are your goals? And if you need an extra one, I could use help with #13.

Thank you for reading. My advice to you is keep your goals away from the trolls. 

Planning and Plotting by Lorrie Orr

 

September Prompt: With summer over, autumn is often a time of new beginnings. What Ten Things will you be doing in the last four months of 2026? These could be short term goals you set, intentional practices, writing tasks, etc. Don’t be limited by the number – choose any number you like.

Photo: Lorrie Orr

September brings some nostalgia for the fleeting summer, and some excitement for a return to cozier pursuits indoors. I think back to my not-so-far away teaching days and want to organize my desk, sharpen a fistful of pencils, and arrange my notebooks. I feel energized in the fall, and I often start new projects. So, what will I accomplish in these last months of the year? These are 12 of my goals.

** Writing **

1. Revise The Characters of Christmas manuscript (written at least 10 years ago) for possible Substack articles in December.

2. Compile my Christmas recipes into an e-book for family and friend.

3. Take Ann Griffiths’ online writing course in September.

4. Continue to work on my children’s book: rough copy, revise, revise, revise

5. Check with my local bookstores to see if they will carry my memoir Life is Short but Wide.

6. Work on my Substack site and perhaps a self-contained website.

** Home Refresh **

1. Tidy my studio where I write and sew. There will definitely be new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils.

2. Sort through photographs. Label / discard / organize into years.

3. Switch my wardrobe from summer to autumn/winter. This involves tidying closets and drawers, discarding worn items, and donating items that no longer fit my life.

4. A thorough house-cleaning. This has already begun. I try to use natural cleaners and have been very happy with Mint Cleaning Products – a two-woman company making products in Ucluelet, BC. In autumn I also use a peppermint oil spray around door frames and window screens to keep spiders away.

** Celebrate **

1. Out of 13 family members, 8 of us have birthdays between September and December. We have one combined party in September, another in November, and another in late November/December. It’s fun and busy. Plus, there’s Thanksgiving in October and Christmas in December.

2. My birthday. This year is a big one for me. One of those numbers that ends in 0. This one is hitting hard and has made me think a lot. I’m thankful for health and energy and hope to stay active for many more years. There’s so much richness in life.


I look at my list and think everything is doable. I also know that unexpected things happen in life, and I trust that I will meet them with the grace and wisdom God provides.

“In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV 

 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island, BC.

She is the author of one book, a memoir, Life is Short but Wide,

and has a number of other books waiting to be worked on,

as well as a vast amount of writing in her head.

She also writes on Substack and her personal slice of life blog.

F is for Focus by Carol Harrison

 

 

Over the last few months, I’ve had trouble focusing my attention on anything. Often, at the end of the day, I look back and don’t see what I’ve accomplished. Editing still needs to be done. A story waits to be written. Deadlines, self-imposed, come and go. Have you ever had days or weeks or even months like that?

Sometimes, our focus is diverted due to health issues or other unexpected pressing matters. We have no choice but to prioritize. I’ve had to put my focus on health issues, appointments, and basic things around the house. At times the blank page mocks me about procrastinating and I have to be honest with myself and evaluate where my time and energy needs to be spent.

But at other times, I sit and stare at a blank computer screen. The words aren’t typing themselves. I walk away and grab a pen and notebook, but the distractions pull my focus off writing. What distracts you? I have a few things that distract me. Some are necessary but maybe at a different time. Others are frivolous and easier to relegate to the background. I began a list of my distractions.

1.      A messy workspace, clutter

2.      Those bings and dings with notifications popping in. They just might be important.

3.      Forgotten household tasks that now must be dealt with, or so I think

4.      Negative self-talk like “Why bother? What will you do with the writing anyway? It’s not good enough?”

5.      Fear of failing. But if we don’t sit down and write, we’ve failed by not trying.

George Lucas said, “Always remember your focus determines your reality.” If I never focus on writing, the reality is I won’t be able to share the stories, devotionals, or articles with others. They will remain hidden in a notebook or on my computer.

We need to plant the seeds that will enable us to focus easier and then cultivate the skill with our writing or any other task we need to accomplish. What are some tips you’ve discovered that help you focus on writing? Some suggestions include:

1.      Clear away distractions. If it is a messy workspace, schedule time other than your writing time to organize it and remove the clutter in your environment which will in turn help negate the mind clutter.

2.      Make yourself some goals. It is not something everyone enjoys or wants to do. But setting big goals and then breaking them down into weekly or daily steps can help you focus on a little bit at a time instead of being overwhelmed with the big picture.

3.      Accountability – It helps me when I have an accountability partner, or more than one. There is a sense of urgency when that other person asks you how far your writing project is and the expected completion date.

4.      To do lists help you see all your everyday tasks and writing ones too. It makes it easier to visualize what needs to be done and the priority it demands in your schedule. An appointment must be met at the assigned time, for example.

5.      Schedule writing time. This is something I struggle with even though I know mornings are the most productive time for me.

6.      Put into practice all the information you have learned over the years. I have a habit of wanting to continue to take a course, go to a workshop, or attend a conference. But I need to use what I’ve learned or it becomes meaningless. That negative voice that tells me I don’t know enough must be quieted.

7.      Just start writing. Use a writing prompt, write everyday happenings, or just nonsense. This helps get the creative juices flowing. Louis L’Amour told an interviewer he never had writer’s block because he had a number of projects on the go in various stages. If he couldn’t think of what should happen next in a story, he’d move to editing a different one, jotting notes for the next story, or polishing a piece to publish. By that time the ideas had filled his mind for the current story. What might work for us?

8.      Don’t edit as you go and break the flow of creativity. The edits can wait until we finish the piece.

9.      Give yourself permission to take breaks so you can return refreshed. But plan the length of those so they don’t become excuses to procrastinate.

These tips are all ones we’ve heard, often many times already. Some we use and keeping focus becomes easier. I needed the reminders so I can quit procrastinating and become more focused and productive with my writing.

Jen Sincere said, “What you focus on, you create more of.”

What does focus look like in your writing life? What works to help you keep on task? The things that I find helpful, might not work for you and vice versa. But the one constant is the need to keep our attention on the goals, the plans God has whispered to us, and the desire to share what we’ve written with others. Now no more evading, no more letting the blank computer screen defeat me, I must spend time focusing on my writing.

 

Carol Harrison attempts to stay focused on the tasks at hand, with varying degrees of success, from her home in Saskatoon. She loves having the inspirational bits and pieces around her desk area to remind her of the stories yet to be told and the memories past. www.carolscorner.ca

Intentional Wanderings by Lorilee Guenter

 Each year, when we put up a new calendar, we are bombarded with tips on goal setting, and on the value (or lack thereof) of resolutions. Each year, there is great discussion about taking the opportunity to evaluate where we have been and decide where we are going. I often find myself resisting this tug of our culture. I don't set goals and I don't like resolutions. However, I also do not want to wander through life aimlessly. Thankfully I don't have to.

God is always leading. He does not wait for a date on the calendar. He does not wait for us to put together a perfect plan because He already has. Sometimes He reveals His plan one step at a time, sometimes many steps. Sometimes we understand what He is asking, sometimes we don't until later. Always He promises He will be with us. Throughout Scripture we read "Do not be afraid for I am with you." In Ephesians 2, we are told He has prepared works in advance for us. As I meditate on this, I find myself more and more disenchanted with the whole new year, new you messaging. 

Sometime during the past fall, the word intentional started showing up in conversation, in reading and then in random ways throughout my day. I started to contemplate this word in relation to my activities and in relation to God's leading in my life. I found myself thinking about why I say yes or no to questions and opportunities. I found the tension surrounding goals disappeared when I ceased trying to set a plan and instead looked to take intentional action and leave intentional space letting God set the plan and the rhythm.

This winter, in addition to the word intentional, I find I am meditating on and mulling over the theme of do not be afraid for I am with you. God tells His people at various times: I am with you. I am going ahead of you. I will show you. I am going to prepare a place. The theme of God with us is woven throughout His story and ours. I do not know what the next step is. I do know that God is already working out the details. When I pause long enough to listen to His guidance and take intentional action, but not so long as to let fear interfere, I will see the journey unfold in God's timing and it probably will be unlike what I would have planned. 

2020 Vision - Clarity by Tracy Krauss

At the risk of being cliché, I was excited by the obvious "2020 Vision" motif that many people were talking about for this year. I had thought of other potential key words, but I knew the opportunity to incorporate this into my plans for 2020 wouldn’t come again - ever!

The word 'CLARITY' came to mind as I was pondering the idea of a clearer vision for the new year, but then health issues helped make the choice 'clear'. Fatigue, chest pain, and other symptoms of my recently diagnosed congestive heart failure started to surface in November and December. I realized I needed to give up a lot of my busyness – a habit I had fallen back into in the twelve to eighteen months since my heart attack and by-pass surgery two and a half years ago. Lessons I'd learned about 'letting go' and focusing on what God wanted, not what I wanted, had become blurred. 

But now I know I have to start letting go again, and in order to do that I need CLARITY as to what things I must do and what things I must give up. The choices have not been easy, but with them I have felt contentment and peace. 

The first thing I let go of was taking on too much substitute teaching. Just the thought of going to the school - despite the fact that I had loved my job as a teacher when I worked full time - brought feelings of stress resulting in chest pain. The extra money is nice, but I still work part-time as an online teacher and my husband has a good job, so I decided this was the first thing that I must strike off the list. 

Besides being on our local Arts Council, I was asked if I would join the regional board this year. The Peace Liard Regional Arts Council covers a wide geographic area in BC from Fort Nelson to Tumbler Ridge, encompassing six communities. They put on an annual juried art exhibit, host a writers' conference, and do many other special projects throughout the region. It would mean travelling to more meetings, but I felt excited about the opportunity to be involved in the wider Arts' scene. Believe it or not, I actually like being on boards and I am passionate about the arts, so it seemed like a no-brainer. But... I knew I needed to let it go. 

Speaking of boards, I had been approached about letting my name stand at our local church's next AGM. I love my church and was thinking seriously about ways to serve. I don't plan to do so, however, and I have decided to also scale back my involvement with the music ministry in our church. I have been on a regular rotation to lead worship and often play the piano or sing back-up as well. I see clearly that it is time to let others step into these roles.

Even though I felt absolutely at ease about releasing all of these items, there was one that I had a harder time with. I was hanging on to the Easter Passion Play I had initiated. 

I am a long time theatre director and have a passion for amateur drama. When I taught Drama at high school, I produced and directed two major productions each year. When I retired from public school, the thing I missed most that first year was Drama. So, in October of 2019 I facilitated a Drama Camp for children that helped fill that void, but then, last fall, I decided to organize and direct a Passion Play in my community - something I had been dreaming about for a quarter century but never seemed to have the time to do. I started recruiting and formed a local theatre group for that purpose. 

But... as the new year approached, I knew in my heart that I also had to let this one go. I told myself that I was doing the play for God's glory, but when I examined my heart, I saw that any 'passion' for the Passion Play was gone and all that was left was my pride. I didn't want to admit that it was too much for me. At our first rehearsal in January, I announced that I was stepping down as director, but if anyone else wanted to take it on they were welcome to do so. I was surprised to see such relief from most of the actors. Some said they were only doing it because they knew how much it meant to me. That was CLARITY.

Basically, I am left with three things that I feel God has shown me that I should continue to focus on in 2020. 1. My own writing  2. InScribe  3. HCOS (my online teaching job)

All three are centred on Christ and afford opportunities to pour into the lives of others. I feel I can balance these three now that I am no longer pulled in so many other directions.

As a final thought, I have to smile when I think about God's timing and perhaps even his sense of humour. CLARITY, which fits so well with the idea of '2020 Vision', is ironic for me in more ways than one. As a person who was born with a congenital eye condition and who has been 'eye doctoring' all her life - even going blind for a time after multiple surgeries - I have never actually experienced 2020 vision in my life! 

In February of 2019 I had more eye surgery on my remaining 'good' eye, with no guarantees that I would be able to see afterward. Thankfully, I recovered well, but it brought into focus (pun intended) my need to ‘focus’ on the important things and let go of the rest.

I need CLARITY this year – both physically and figuratively - and with God's help I hope to move forward in 2020 with new vision for what's really important.

1 Corinthians 13: 12

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

Tracy Krauss is serving as InScribe's current President. She lives in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC, but is a Saskatchewan girl at heart. Visit her website: https://tracykrauss.com for more. - fiction on the edge without crossing the line -