Ode to a Writer's Joy by Sharon Espeseth

Read God's Word in a Quiet Place
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"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest," Jesus tells his disciples. Travelling two by two, the men had travelled through surrounding villages preaching repentance, driving out demons, anointing and healing the sick.

The disciples, anxious to tell Jesus their many experiences, needed undisturbed time with their Master. The people, seeing Jesus, ran to the other side of the lake and were there when the boat arrived.

When Jesus saw this huge crowd, he had compassion on them, "because they were like sheep without a shepherd." Instead of turning them away, Jesus began teaching them.

Please. . . .

As writers, we also seek quiet, but often we can't get away from the phone, online messages, meetings, and the needs of other people. Sometimes, we feel more harried than joyful, and, in all honesty, this is what I am feeling as I begin this blog. Rushed. Jittery. Frustrated.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will fill me with your love, joy and peace. Guide me and give me wisdom in setting priorities. May your love and grace abide in my heart as I turn my planning over to you. Instead of attempting to meet everyone's needs, help me show compassion for them, but remind me to impress on them that only you can meet all their needs.

First I pray. Then, applying "bum glue" to my chair, I sit down in my office. As words appear on my screen, I become, not joyful, but calm. I enjoy this time to write.

First, why do I write? Upon arising this morning, my husband asked me this very question.

Because I enjoy writing. I write because it helps me figure things out. (Like right now.)

Because this is a way I can share my faith and what I am learning about life.

Because I have stories and ideas inside me.

To give glory to God.

Because God has blessed some/all? of my writing to certain individuals. Readers responses encourage my doubting spirit.

What hinders my writing?

Distractions, committing to more than I can handle, procrastinating, over-helping and trying to fix people, not discussing specific situations with the Master Planner.

Should I quit writing? 

Funny you should ask, because I just got some answers to that question. Can you recall one long road trip, someone said, let's say from Edmonton to Vancouver? Did you expect to make it the whole way without hitting any red lights?

If you've thought of quitting lately, you must read "Go Ahead and Quit!" by Janice L. Dick. (See janicedick.wordpress.com)

Furthermore, "The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness (joy) in using it. (Goethe)

Am I a good enough writer? (Was Paul a good enough disciple?)

To hear Paul's thoughts on discouragement, read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. To hear his voice, read the passage in The Message. "If I had a mind to brag. . . but I'll spare you. . . , says Paul. "So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations."

Three times Paul begged God to remove his handicap, but God told him

"My grace is enough; it's all you need.My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

Grasping this message, Paul says, "I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift." God's strength moved in on his weakness. "Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer," Paul says, and he let Christ take over! Paul concludes,  "The weaker I get, the stronger I become."

I have paraphrased Eugene H. Petersons's translation of the story, but I appreciate the entire passage.

How does my writing affect me?

Starting this blog, I admit I was none too joyful. Distractions overwhelmed me, but I prayed. A friend prayed that I wouldn't let Anyone steal my joy. Like Paul, I said, "There (is) no danger of walking around high and mighty!" Speaking to Jesus, I tapped into his strength and understanding. Humbled, I acknowledge my need of guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, remind me regularly to tap into your strength and understanding in order to overcome my weakness. Thank you for cheering me up, for helping me get this blog written , and for my being able to end this Ode to a Writer's Joy on a higher note. Praise God. Amen. 

Ending on a Higher Note!
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Challenge Yourself by Karma Pratt

or In Which Lessons on Writing and Mudderella Become Intertwined

I was unable to attend the full InScribe conference this year because I inadvertently double booked myself way back in January. Except, there are no mistakes with God, and I am convinced that my calendar error was His divine purpose! 

Instead of attending the Friday evening banquet, I was on my way to a girls' weekend in Whistler with some friends from my university days. Instead of sitting down to breakfast with fellow writers on Saturday, I was preparing for feats of mental and physical strength and endurance on Blackcomb Mountain. I was headed to Mudderella.

Mudderella is an obstacle course designed by women for women. It's a challenge, not a race, with a focus on teamwork and camaraderie. It's an inspiring event that gathers together people from every age range and fitness level to work together to achieve a common purpose. Sometimes referred to as the gentle little sister to its more ferocious counterpart, the Tough Mudder, this obstacle course is still no laughing matter. So, how does a muddy run (or walk) up a mountain compare to a writers' conference? Here's what I learned: 

Be Consistent: Own Your Slow

Mudderella's slogan is actually Own Your Strong. It's an invitation to embrace your strengths.

Or, as David sang, 

It is my God who arms me with strength 

and keeps my way secure 

2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV)

David's song of praise carried him beyond the battleground to the fields of victory. For me, this battle was more internal than external. My Saul wasn't a person to be defeated, but a choice to persevere in the face of challenges. 

Because I said, "Yes!" to the challenge of Mudderella, I learned that consistency sometimes means slowing my pace so that I can continue forward. If I had tried to keep up with all the other challengers around me, I likely would have lost steam before reaching the top of each incline, or finishing each obstacle. Instead, I "owned my slow" and took it one step at a time. 

Make it to the Goal One Step at a Time

In writing and in life people set goals. I believe that's a good thing. But on the mountain that day, I learned that it's equally as important to focus on the present moment and not just the goal at the end of the journey. I had to focus on the next right step in order to keep myself from stumbling on the way to my goal. 

Too often I have envisioned the end goal or prize: the book, published; the accomplishment, achieved. Those aren't bad things to work towards, but it's still important to keep things in perspective. Paul tells us: 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) (emphasis mine)

 The Prize

So, having accepted the challenge, owned my slow, reached the prize (aka the finish line), and achieved the honour of becoming a Mudderella Finisher, what have I learned? Mostly I learned to be unapologetically me. I learned to go at my own pace, and be accepting of my strengths and weaknesses. Everybody - every writer - is different. 

My perspective is shifting. I can do hard things. I do not have to fit a certain mold to consider myself capable. I can extend grace to myself and not put so much pressure on myself to perform to a certain level. I can go at my own speed and God will still be there with me, hemming me in beside, behind and in front. God will still be there, speaking words of encouragement and strengthening my heart, mind, soul and spirit to continue moving toward Him. 

Perfect love casts out fear. I am beloved, called by name. And so are you. Together we can celebrate our unique strengths and gifts, we can lift each other up and help each other out when necessary, and we can aspire to accomplish great things as writers and challengers in this life.

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. She is also, officially, a Mudderella Finisher. She does hard things like raise a family and be a supportive partner to her husband and scale walls and walk through muddy pits and climb mountains. And she offers professional writing and editing services at redraincoatcreations.com. 

Waiting for Strength by Brenda Leyland

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ from Isaiah 40: 29 - 31

Some years ago, when I was worn and ill physically, I often came to this passage for comfort and hope. And, as I waited, the truth in these words became reality in my own life. I would start to feel less weary and more strengthened.

During that season I often spent time just being quiet and still. Not asking, not praying, not worrying... just resting... soaking in God's presence. As I would feel the peace settle over my mind and heart, somehow it seemed to seep down into every cell of my being, and I'd come away feeling rested and strengthened in my physical body too.

Personally, I don't know what I would have done if I not discovered that I could come to God and receive literal strength to help me through my days.

Today, I offer Him as a place of refuge for anyone who might need an oasis of rest in their own journey through this imperfect world.

Keep Strong in the Lord

It seems that the older we get, the more challenges there are. When we hear of bad news we say, “What next is going to happen?” Strife comes to all of us and it is something that we must endure throughout life. But life is not all bad. We share in joy and laughter when we hear and experience good news.


There is something that each of us can share in regardless of the storms of life and the blessings of happiness, and that is hope! How can we say that we have hope while we live in this world as we know it? Keep in mind that Jesus came to earth to be among us to fulfill the Father’s will. He came to offer hope and life but he suffered and died on a cross so that each one of us may have the opportunity of eternal life. That is our future hope!

He knows the problems that come our way. There is nothing that any one of us can go through that He hasn’t endured himself. In fact, He already suffered more than we could ever fathom but His resurrection was victorious and triumphant. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”

God sympathizes us in our weaknesses. Our sinless father to whom we cry out and have our hope is our compassionate Father. He asks us to place our hope and confidence in Him. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

In our prayers we can exclaim, “Lord you know my need, you know what I’m going through. I am seeking your grace and mercy to help me. I believe you will Lord, because you understand!”
Take hold of the hope that is yours! Keep strong in the Lord! Do not give up believing that God’s power and grace will carry you through life just as He promised He would.

“You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.” Proverbs 12:3

(The Message)

Janice Keats

Lydia - Her Opportunities are Great!

Janice Keats

Scripture: Acts 16: 11-15

I picture Lydia as a happy and content woman. It showed in her hospitality when she persuaded her Christian friends to stay at her house when they came to town. Lydia and her guests were worshippers of God. What do you suppose sustained their happiness in worshipping God? I believe they supported each other and shared progress in ministry. Sharing good news among friends generates pure joy in the Lord. It motivates and encourages and builds faith, resulting in being filled with abundant blessings!

There is so much opportunity in the Christian life. There is the opportunity to fellowship, and to experience God’s love and joy in serving Him. Lydia was a servant of God and her community. Perhaps she partnered with others as she ran her business of selling purple cloth. Her joy was from the Lord! God has given each of us gifts and abilities and the opportunity to avail of them. Have we availed of our opportunities and accepted God’s courage to do His Will? His Will has been perfected and chosen for each person. So we can release all that hinders our walk with Him, because He has given His best to us.

We each have the opportunity to share in the peace, the fulfillment and a prosperous life. Much like Lydia’s life. We have been given different gifts but there is one thing that God has given that is the same for everyone. We all have been given the same promises from God! You may wonder what they are. He will give us strength to do His Will. He will give us courage to reach out to others. He promises forgiveness when we go astray, and He promises to be near to the brokenhearted, just to name a few.

God’s Word is full of promises that can never be broken. Psalm 46: 1, 2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Another promise He provides is, “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107:9). We can taste and see that God is good. It requires simple trusting faith, and then we will discover that God is indeed God, and He always come through on His promises. Just ask anyone who has had his or her prayers answered.

Janice Keats

Empowered -- Janet Sketchley

“I can’t do this without You, LORD.”

Many of us pray this way regularly, about hard tasks or scary appointments, or just about hauling our exhausted selves out of bed to face another day.

It’s a fine prayer, and it’s scriptural. Jesus warned us, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NIV)

The key is where we put the emphasis. If we focus on the difficulty “I can’t do this” it weighs us down. If we focus on Jesus, our hope and strength “I can’t do this without You” it reminds us where our confidence lies.

Acknowledging our weakness keeps us from getting into messes. Focusing there could keep us from doing anything at all. Let our weaknesses remind us that Jesus offers His strength. Our confidence is in Him, and He is enough.

© Janet Sketchley. (Reprinted from the archives of God with Us: Finding Joy, April 2008)
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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.

Faith Like A Rock

A co-worker continually enters my office for a brief chat about life, family issues, health concerns etc. He has had brain surgery several years ago, and suffers from seizures periodically. He’s been having complications due to differing medical prescriptions that doctors prescribe to get the seizures under control. What’s so amazingly funny is that each visit there is a different bruise located somewhere on his body.

On one occasion he had a fall and he came in my office with a bruised eye, a large lump on his head and a badly scraped knee. I asked what happened and he replied, “Oh I had a seizure and just fell while walking down the street.” Another day he came in and his eye was badly bruised and his glasses were all scratched up. I faced him and laughed because he was so nonchalant about it. He had taken another fall.

This scene repeated itself over and over in my office. It was as though he was preparing for a spot in a movie and each time getting more make-up on for a crash scene. Even though Jimmy was seriously ill, he appeared to be healthy and strong. Without a doubt he had strong faith. Among our conversations was a discussion about his faith in God. Even if he were to die sitting in my office chair he said that he was ready to go and he showed no fear. His confidence in God’s promises was reassuring.

Suddenly, I was taken away from the sight of the bruises and bumps and scrapes, I saw a man who was as steady as a rock. According to the Bible, this rock is Jesus.

Jesus is referred to many names in the Bible. In Isaiah 26:4, he is named the “Rock Eternal” The verse reads: “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal.”

When I think about Jesus as being the rock, I think about Him as being firm, steadfast, secure, powerful, solid, unswerving and true. When I think of Jesus as being the “rock eternal,” I think about Him as being true to His promises, certain of who He is.

He promises life abundantly, peace and security in the midst of trouble, and a secured place in heaven if the decision is made to follow Him and trust Him and believe his promises. We are held up by His mighty power and He is the rock of all ages.

Psalm 139: 7 – 10 David says: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths you are there; If I ride on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me fast.”

Yes, He is worthy of our praise, faith and love and expectations of answered prayers. The Bible says to be thankful in all circumstances of life. Who feels like praising God when we find ourselves in the heavy trials of life? Very few perhaps but our faith allows us to trust no matter what the circumstances are and since Jesus promised that he will never leave us or forsake us, we can learn to rely on Him for strength and guidance. We learn to trust and acquire faith; we learn to lean on the solid rock!

May we all learn to place our trust in Him in all circumstances of life!

Jan Keats

How is Your Faith?

Sometimes along the Christian Journey all kinds of negative thoughts and turmoil may interfere with walking in peace and harmony with the Master.
There are ways to determine whether or not the view of the narrow road is still visible and known. Study the following questions and test for yourself to see if you’re lined up with God’s expectations in living a fruitful Christian life.

When you are standing among a crowd does your light still shine?
Do you still possess the joy of the Lord?
Do you feel that you are somehow distanced between you and your God?
Is His message of love still in your heart?
Have you experienced God’s forgiveness?
Are you still able to openly declare that you belong to Jesus?
Do you secretly pass judgement on fellow Christians?
Do you miss His loving touch? His presence near you?
Do you possess the fruits of the Spirit?
How is your prayer life? Have you been neglecting to meet with God?

Be honest. It may be difficult to admit that we are not up to His standards even when legitimate circumstances interfere with our relationship with God. God still knows those who are His. Despite our shortcomings and weaknesses in any of these 10 thought provoking questions, God still waits for us to come alongside Him. He will still pull up that chair and sit beside us when we come to Him in faith. When we fail Him, we must remember that he will not forsake us. When we praise Him we must remember how we please Him.

If we don’t lose heart during the discouraged moments then we have overcome the same temptations that Jesus Himself suffered. How do we then keep forging ahead? Just remember when we fall back, come back! Don’t even entertain the idea of falling back and staying back. Jesus didn’t remain in the garden when He was perhaps at His weakest moment. He prayed to the Father and proceeded to follow His Father’s Will; yes, even death on a cross. Each of God’s children has the opportunity to pray and continue in the journey. That’s where peace is! That’s where joy is! That’s where we belong; in the everlasting arms of the Father!

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
(I Corinthians 10:13NIV)

Keep strong in the Lord! He will light your path along the journey!

Jan Keats