May the Lighthouse Illuminate my Words – Denise M. Ford

Where do I place my focus? How does it highlight the direction I believe I am meant to follow? Do I trust the guidance from its illumination?

 

A lighthouse begins to form in my mind. It becomes a visual symbol for my writing goals.

 

A lighthouse …

• Focuses perspective in a specific moment of need.  
• Highlights possibilities that bring messages of hope and reassurance.
• Provides guidance as it illuminates, offering encouragement with its light.

 

Charting a course within the security of set boundaries appeals to me. Similar to writing for this prescribed blog message, I enjoy knowing that the deadline comes into view once a month and I pull my thoughts together accordingly. It satisfies my urge to convey ideas, as a determined point of departure for my words. Refine my schedule, submit to the discipline required, allow my thoughts to glide into images that will surface to my sentences. I like this gentle rhythm; I understand this creative process. It swells within me, I find its current, I crest the wave.

 

My initial planned destination for this year: Create a consistent, informal but inspirational blog to provide a perspective of humour and hope throughout this stage of life. I envisioned recounting grandparent mishaps along with poignant stories. I sketched out possible “ports of call” for a blog based on my “Nana voyage.”

 

However, the storm began. Without warning I was pulled off course, into a maelstrom of necessary and haphazard decision making. I had to pull up the rigging for the Nana sails. I reported to the bridge to steer into the COVID 19 storm. How to respond? What actions to implement for the most impact? Reasonable navigation seemed impossible, hopeless before I even began. Timetables slid away, anxiety overwhelmed and threatened to thwart any attempts to rise to this writing challenge. How would this expedition prevail? Could I offer the refuge and respite so required for my grandchildren? Could I keep myself anchored as a writer yet afloat when called forth for Nana duty?

 

September days slip into view as I page ahead on my desk calendar. I feel that I am attuning my writing desires to the rhythm of a new year. Perhaps, this voyage may find its defined course at this time. September after September pass through my reflections; planning for new students with fellow teachers at the local high school, considering congregational needs with pastoral staff at the community church. Septembers have usually designed my itinerary for months to follow.

 

As this September prepares to ease into place, I plan to quietly moor into calm lagoons in which I have some days to myself. During the week I will spend several days with my grandchildren, but I will pull ashore to my private writing retreat to pilot my words into my personal blog.  I want to provide perspectives of perseverance despite anxiety, and images for encouragement despite obstacles.

 

A lighthouse appears on my horizon. It sends forth beams in a rhythmic pattern of light; pulsing, spinning. Even as I close my eyes the brightness captures my attention widening the parameters of my vision.

 

A lighthouse is…

• Strategically placed so it can radiate and reflect its light to reach those who need to see it at a particular moment of time.
• Unwavering with its penetrating brilliant light cutting through the thickest fog, its beam pulsating with power that promises to lift away the struggle of each individual’s storm. 
• Immoveable from its strong foundation, ever present, ever resolute as a resource of refuge and resiliency.

 

This September I will begin to write specific, meaningful messages for my blog. I will set a timetable to deliver hopeful observations and reassuring anecdotes to lighten the overwhelming anxiety that everyone feels at this time. I will strive to stay disciplined and not distracted from this purpose, so that even when storms rise up and threaten with pounding waves of uncertainty, my commitment to pass on hope will remain; a steadfast presence. I need to trust in the constant call to write. To believe that my words may be lifelines, tossed out like lighthouse beams at the precise necessary moment.

 

A lighthouse, a symbol of perseverance and resilience during these days of unexpected crisis.

 

September means my son and daughter-in-law will resume their teaching roles. My other daughter-in-law will continue her efforts as a speech pathologist working with special needs students. My granddaughter will step into the world of kindergarten at a time when she will need to understand how to protect herself and others in her classroom.  My niece, her husband and my sister will continue their battle against the virus as medical frontline workers in areas of intense COVID 19 cases throughout the eastern United States. My brother-in-law, a minister, will continue to offer kindness and compassion as he counsels and directs his congregation.

 

I pray that my words might offer beams of hope to family, friends, parents, grandparents, teachers, front-line workers…anyone struggling amidst the storms that lash out against us.

 

In my lighthouse vision my Lord serves as the lighthouse keeper: strategic, unwavering, immoveable. My Lord begins the illumination.

As this lighthouse emboldens my words, may I encourage others.

 

To join me as I respond to my lighthouse, please visit:

WalkingwithDustyandDee.com

DREAMS TO SPARE - Sheila Webster

 When I think of dreamers I think of a young boy who wanted to make a difference in the world. To any that knew his limitations they would have thought his dreams were similar to trying to fly to the moon without a spaceship.

He had a tough upbringing, not any advantages, little in the way of education, friendships, or stepping stones.

Often Joshua would tell me what he would do if he was chief of his reserve. He would then edit his dream and say, "At least talk to people about how to be kind to one another and how hard it is for kids like me." A big dream for a young man of no consequence. People would look at all the obstacles he would have to overcome to be anything let alone a person of influence and shake their heads saying it would be a miracle.

Joshua struggled with learning, he struggled with abstract concepts, poetry seemed abstract and he didn't want to do that portion of his English assignments in grade nine or ten. One day however he was on a road trip to and from a funeral. During this road trip he felt the rhythm of the road and begin to put the facts of his life on the page in short sentences. He was surprised to find that what he had written was a form of poetry, raw, gritty and real.

In need of some money to pay some of his expenses his mom helped him put some chapbooks of his writing together to sell at a First Nations Gathering, the rest has become part of his own personal history.

Joshua as a young person has been published in different forms, a shortlisted documentary about a segment of his life, a couple poetry books, and a couple first person essays. He opened at the University of Regina for Library Week last October, has gone on a library tour of south east Saskatchewan last February, spoken at schools and a seniors lodge. He has also achieved his dream of speaking to some foster parents and group home workers. Joshua has been interviewed by CBC twice,

There was no course or seven steps to realizing his dream just a simple prayer and a lot of courage to step out in his fledgling faith to achieve the impossible.

Joshua in Saskatoon receiving a star blanket commissioned by his publisher Siretona Creative's owner Colleen McCubbin - June 2019. (StarBlanket made by Starla Bruneau)

Joshua: A Documentary by Sheila Webster and Emily Duffield can be found on YouTube

Shopping Cart Boy (2018) is currently out of print

Soul Rape/Soul Rage published by Stark Words Press

can still be purchased on Amazon (this is a very poetry graphic book about sexual abuse)

Two of his stories were also published in First Nations Christian Writers by Goldrock Press and one was reprinted by Indian Life.

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   

Pushy (and Pull-y) Lessons from a Tent - Mid-Month Moment with Connie Inglis

Our regular "Mid-Month Moment" from the archives of Connie Inglis:

This past week my hubby Doug and I went on our annual camping trip with my sister and her hubby. There's always so much of God on these trips, being out in nature and enjoying His creation, but this year, I took away something new.

We were taking down our dome tent, sliding the first tent pole out of the tent flap. Doug was moving it through the sleeve, trying to prevent the pole's connecting pieces from snagging inside the narrow tunnel of fabric. I was holding the pole as it came out, leading it along. Or rather, I was supposed to just be leading it along... Instead, I was pulling on the pole, trying to force it out at my pace. The result? The pole segments separated in multiple places, including inside the sleeve, which just meant stopping, reattaching the segments, and in the end, it took more time than if I would have patiently just guided it along. Needless to say, when we passed the second tent pole through its sleeve, I simply led it along as Doug fed it through. The result? No problems and no frustration.

Immediately the thought came to me: What a beautiful picture of the Trinity working in my life. Before I met Jesus, my life was just segments of a tent pole, separated by sin. But then, because of His sacrifice, Jesus made me whole, connecting me, making me pure and blameless before a holy God. (Colossians 2:10)

But becoming a Christian didn't mean that suddenly I no longer sinned - or that I didn't have bad habits or hidden thoughts or ideas that didn't need correction and guidance. That's where the work of the Holy Spirit comes in. Yes, He assures us of our salvation (Rom. 8:15,16) but He also convicts us of our sin. (Rom. 8:5-9).

Thankfully, (and not like me with the tent pole) when we become Christians, the promised Holy Spirit arrives as a gentle counsellor and guide. 

John 16:13 (NIV) says, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." 

We know that the Holy Spirit reveals the sin in our lives to us. However, He will not force His way on us until we are ready and willing to listen. Like with the tent pole, we need to want to get through the sleeve of fabric and get un-stuck from our own sin and get out of the dark tunnel we find ourselves in. We need to be willing to cry out, "Abba, Father."

Because of Jesus, the Holy Spirit knows we are frail human beings. He convicts, yes, but He isn't pushy (or should I say pull-y). His words convict but they aren't meant to condemn (Rom. 8:1). They aren't meant to kill us or destroy us as is the case with Satan. Rather they are given out of love and are meant to bring us freedom and peace. They are meant to lead us forward so that we can move on and truly live abundant lives. 

John 10:10 (AMP) says: "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."

My prayer for us this week is that we live repentant lives - always listening for the Spirit's guidance, not afraid of His gentle conviction, but always desiring spiritual growth. And then may we be willing to ask for His help and His guidance to free us and make us more and more whole. May we desire to live the abundant life that He promises us when we walk in His ways.

Listening together,

Connie

July 12, 2017