Unfolding Words ~ Valerie Ronald

 

                                                                               image credit Pixabay

From the dark, stuffy confines of the linen closet I pull out a fresh set of neatly folded sheets, ready to go on the bed. First, I stretch the fitted sheet over the mattress, then with a flick of my wrists, I unfold the top sheet. It floats gently onto the bed, releasing its heady fragrance of sun-dried cotton and warm breezes. Because I dry sheets outside on the clothesline in summer, the evocative scent of the season comes to life again when I unfold them to make the bed.

This is the picture that comes to mind when I read the following verse.

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding

to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV) 

I imagine God shaking out a folded sheet full of His words, releasing light and knowledge like a clean, simple fragrance to people eager to understand His truths.

For over 20 years I have been folding words into neat packages that fit on the back page of our monthly church bulletin. Drawing from personal life lessons, nature and God’s rich scriptures, I write these devotionals to encourage those of our small congregation in their spiritual walk. This year I have been given an opportunity to compile some of these devotionals into a book. The first draft of the book is nearing completion, soon to be sent to the publisher. A life-long dream is finally within reach.

Unfolding these writings woven from the fabric of God’s words, is like shaking out a sun-dried bed sheet that has been stored on a shelf for some time. Words gathered for years will soon be released, directed by God purposes. I am excited to be in partnership with God on this project, as He is the one who is making it possible.

As well as working on the book manuscript, I continue to share a page on this blog once a month with my fellow InScribe writers. The blog moderator’s prompts produce many different perspectives and styles of writing that I find encouraging and inspirational. Some of the posts I have written for the blog are being adapted to include in my devotional book.

The realization that I am tackling an ambitious new project in my senior years is an affirmation that God can work through me even into old age. I like to think of this devotional book as my opus, the culmination of 23 years of work. As God’s Word unfolds through the vehicle of my own written words, I pray they will give spiritual light and understanding to those who read them.

“This is what we speak (write), not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”  (1 Cor. 2:13)

Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk. 

Are You A Writer? YES -- Janis Cox

I am reading a book on my Kindle called "You are a Writer - so Start Acting Like One" by Jeff Goins.

There is no hard copy but I would love to be able to flip back through the pages; put notes in the margins; highlight in yellow or pink and generally use it as a reference book.

Instead I did use the highlight function on my Kindle (my Kindle is first generation - so highlighting is not easily done). Some passages spoke to me and I want to share those with you today.

1. "Believe you already are what you want to be. And then start acting like it." (110-117)
2.  He compared writing to running a marathon. He asked himself where did the discipline to train come from. The answer, "It happened from doing the work, creating habits and building momentum... If you do anything long enough, it becomes habitual." (208-216)
3. "Multitasking is a myth. You can either create or react. But you can't do both. Choose wisely." (252-260)
4. "Here is the truth: There is no wrong thing. Just begin. Once you learn how to finish, you'll be able to start again. (267-274)
5. Jeff gave three important things we need to have as writers:

1. A PLATFORM - "Be a resource to others. Do favors. Be selfless."
2. A BRAND
3. CHANNELS (345-348) (You need to read the book to expand on these)

Then Jeff continued with concrete examples:

1. RESOURCES: You need resources to start your own self-hosted blog:
1. outstandingsetup.com
2. yourdigitalbook.com
3. problogger.net
2. Three Important Relationships:

1. FANS - those who admire your work
2. FRIENDS - peers to help you get better
3. PATRONS - people of influence - mentors (594-601)

And the pattern in all of this is "serving people" without an agenda. Relationships are important.

I finished Jeff's book this morning. I highly recommend it. The last couple of chapters really inspired me but you will have to read for yourself.

My friend, Janet Sketchley, wrote today about being a writer called Writer, Who are you Really?

To all my writer friends - I have stepped out and have taken the challenge.

Tadeo (TAD-ay-OH) Turtle

Tadeo Turtle should be published sometime in September by Word Alive. Tadeo Turtle is a story for children about a little turtle who longs to be someone different. In this adventure he learns to accept how God has created him. 

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement.

She has published a couple of devotionals and a number of articles. Her Bible study is available in PDF.

As owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and A Better Way, she writes often.

Her children's book, Tadeo Turtle, is scheduled for release in September. Email her at Janis or visit her at www. janiscox.com.