Author: Sally Ferguson

When Words Mean Life or Death

Post author By Sally Ferguson
Post date September 3, 2020
No Comments on When Words Mean Life or Death

“The king’s scribes were called… and it was written… to every province according to its script, and to every people according to their language…”
Esther 8:9 (NAS)

By the word of King Ahasuerus, Mordecai and Esther commissioned a letter giving Jews the right to defend themselves against attack.

By the word of the king, Haman was carried out from a banquet to hang on the gallows.

Your word probably doesn’t carry the same menace as those in the book of Esther, or, does it? Every day we have opportunity to speak into lives around us. The way we speak will carry life or murder for the hearers. Murder? Isn’t that a little harsh? I may not utter murderous threats like Haman declared against Mordecai, but my words can cut down someone’s esteem or reputation.

Queen Esther was so aware of the power of words, she asked Mordecai to fast and pray for three days. (Esther 4:16)

I believe every writer is called to use their words to inspire, motivate, and encourage people near and far, for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)

Exercise:

1. Look at your text messages for the last 36 hours. How can you inspire, motivate, or encourage in your texts?

2. Look at your social media posts from the last week. What can you do to inspire, motivate, or encourage through your posts?

3. Look at your email archives for the past month. How can you send out letters that inspire, motivate, or encourage your recipients?

In uncertain times, people need inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. (Isaiah 40)

Articulate God’s Word responsibly; it’s a matter of life and death!

“Thanks be to God who leads us, wherever we are, on his own triumphant way and makes our knowledge of him spread throughout the world like a lovely perfume! We Christians have the unmistakeable ‘scent’ of Christ, discernible alike to those who are being saved and to those who are heading for death. To the latter it seems like the very smell of doom, to the former it has the fresh fragrance of life itself.

“Who could think himself adequate for a responsibility like this? Only the man who refuses to join that large class which trafficks in the Word of God—the man who speaks, as we do, in the name of God, under the eyes of God, as Christ’s chosen minister.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (PHILLIPS)

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions for writers, power of words, Scripture, words can hurt, words matter

Lessons from a Cupbearer

“So we rebuilt the wall… for the people worked with all their heart.”
Nehemiah 4:6 (NIV)

Nehemiah was a layman in exile, working as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. In other words, he was expendable. He drank the wine to be served to the monarch. If it was poisoned by the king’s enemies, the cupbearer took the fall for the ruler. This cupbearer, however, was unique.

Nehemiah had a burden for his hometown. How did he turn his weight into a gate? Nehemiah is known for the extraordinary work he did to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but one doesn’t accomplish such a feat alone. It took a plan and a band.

Nehemiah is known for the extraordinary work he did to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem

Here’s his sketch:

Burden 1:4
Prayer 1:5-11
Audience 2:1-3
Target 2:5
Deadline 2:6
Resources 2:7-8
Research 2:11-15
Work 2:17-18

How about you?

Do you have a burden?
Have you prayed about it?
Who speaks into your life? Whose words do you give audience to, in your quest to write? Who is on your team?
What is your target? Nehemiah concentrated on one job. The city had other problems, but he didn’t focus on them.
Do you have a deadline, self-imposed or from an editor?
Have you gathered your resources?
What kind of research will you need to do?
How will you hunker down to do the work?

In chapter three, the project is divided into manageable sections. How can you measure out the words in front of you?

Learn from a wall-builder:

4:14 Remember your “why.”

4:8-9 Pray against distractions.

4:16-18 Prepare for the unknown.

Do you feel as if your words are expendable? Take a lesson from a cupbearer and refill your cup before your heavenly King. He will set your burden into motion with rewarding work.

Exercise:

What burdens do you carry? Journal your heart’s passion. That is your “why.”

Write a prayer, asking the Lord to show you how to put that passion into action.

Why do you write? This is different than your why, because of the medium used. Put that after the prayer.

What keeps you from following your passion? Brainstorm ways to avoid distractions.

Prepare for the unknown, by eliminating procrastination. Chip away at your project daily until you know you have put your whole heart into it. One day, you’ll look up and see the physical results of your daily build.

Call someone for accountability and become prayer warriors for each other. You will both win!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions for writers, encouragement for writers, hard work as a writer, Passion, Perseverance

Devotions for Writers

Mighty Writer

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:12 (NIV)

Did you know Gideon is listed in the Hall of Fame? Yep, he’s right there in Hebrews 11:32. It was a surprise to me. When we find him first mentioned in the Bible, we have to hunt for him, because Gideon was hiding in the shade of a big oak tree. He was threshing wheat in an unlikely place to protect it from foragers.

So, why am I surprised Gideon was a Hall of Famer? He repeatedly questioned his calling from God to champion God’s people. Do you, too, question your call? The Lord is looking for writers to spread His message of salvation. He offers hope, healing and help to those who reach out to Him, and does so through willing servants all around the world.

Gideon also questioned how God addressed him. Maybe he thought God was making fun of the way he was hiding. The Lord has a special name for you as His beloved child and it isn’t one meant to mock you but to mold you into His character. (Revelation 2:17)

Do you feel like God isn’t speaking anymore? Gideon did, too. Judges 6:13

Do you feel like an unknown? Gideon did, too. Judges 6:15

Do you question what God says to you? Gideon did, too. Judges 6:17

Are you afraid of what your family and community will say? Gideon was, too. Judges 6:27

Every time Gideon asked, “how?” God said, “I will.”

Do you need a reminder of what the Lord is willing to do in your life? Look up the following verses and personalize them in your journal.

Exercise:

What does God call you? Judges 6:12

What is God doing? Judges 6:14

Where will God be? Judges 6:16

What does the Lord say to you? Judges 6:23a

By whose authority do you write? Judges 6:34

What has God done for you? Judges 8:34

What name would God give to you, mighty writer? Would you live as His beloved, depending on His wisdom (James 1:5)? Write out a prayer of commitment to the Lord’s call to write, noting His promise to provide the strength and the words (Psalm 22:25).

Remember where we found Gideon under the big oak tree? The unlikely vessel he used was a winepress. When you hide your gift, it may taste like sour grapes!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions for writers, encouragement, encouragement for writers, fighting fear as a writer

Devotions for Writers

The Write Time

“It is time to seek the Lord…”
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

“While some procrastinate more than others, few of us (if we are honest) can say we never procrastinate. For a myriad of reasons, we put off doing things – especially, it seems, getting words on paper. It’s no wonder God seems to call a number of people to write similar things. He knows how few will actually finish what they start.”
Marlene Bagnull, Write His Answer

I winced at the thought my lack of writing was an act of disobedience. It seemed I always had an assortment of urgent tasks calling my name. Admittedly, everything else was more appealing than the hard work of pounding out words; it’s even easier to take out the trash than to sit down and write!

The first part of Hosea 10:12 says to sow righteousness. If I am to sow right actions then I need to do some active waiting on the Lord. What is active waiting? It means to do what you know to do until the next step clears. And then to do the next right thing after that, and so on.

Another portion of our verse says “break up your unplowed ground.” What fertile soil is waiting for you to dig in and excavate its potential?

How do you make the most of every opportunity to write? Try some of the following tips to create time.

Exercise:

Make an appointment. Schedule time on your calendar, just like you would for a doctor visit. Guard it faithfully.
BIC Time. When you put your “Butt in Chair,” put blinders on to everything else but writing.
Set a timer. You can do anything for 15 minutes. And it will inspire you when you see how much you can accomplish in a short interval.
Accountability Partners. Ask another writer to hold you accountable, and then be kind when they do!
Prayer Warriors. Do you have your own prayer team? Ask like-minded people to cover you with prayer power to shield your thoughts.

Our verse in entirety says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.”

One more thing; Hosea 10:13 reminds us to guard against self-sufficiency. Seek the Lord in all you produce and your words will reap the fruit of His love, as you wait for His blessing!

Resource:

Marlene Bagnull, Write His Answer, p. 47

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions for writers, Finding Time to Write, Marlene Bagnull, missed opportunities, time management

Devotions for Writers

Return and Submit

“You are the God who sees me.” ~ Hagar
Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

Rejection. Every writer is familiar with it. It stings like a scorpion in the hot desert, which is where Hagar found herself. Her mistress, Sarai had given Hagar an assignment, but then rejected her. How many times have you turned in an article, only to receive a rejection notice? Or, no notification at all? Rejection begins to feel personal and pointed. Maybe your self-esteem plummets, too? Writers can question the worth of their words and suffer from Imposter Syndrome.

Author Valerie Young says, “A sense of belonging fosters confidence.” So, work with your writers group to build your skills and add finesse to your words. Don’t succumb to those feelings of inadequacy or let rejection define you.

What if there was another way? The angel said, “Go back and submit.” (Genesis 16:9)

What if we went back to that editor and submitted a new idea? What if we repurposed the theme into a fresh perspective and submitted it to another market?

Hagar didn’t stay stuck in the desert. The Lord opened her eyes to see the new thing He wanted to do in her life. (Genesis 21:19) God provided another way for Hagar and He can do the same for you. Then, like Hagar, you’ll agree, “God sees me!”

Exercise:

Are you feeling stuck? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the underlying issue. Talk to a trusted writer friend about your findings and commit to pray together. (Galatians 6:2)

Hagar turned away from her son, when she thought she was inadequate to help. But her trip to the well refreshed herself and her son. Jesus is the Living Water. Let Him refresh you and others through the words you write. (John 4:13-14)

Are you afraid of not measuring up? Walk away from those feelings of inferiority by doing something to take your next step toward accomplishing a goal. It will give you the courage to keep going and refresh your self-esteem. (Proverbs 14:22-23)

Look through your contacts from magazines in print or online. Maybe it’s been a while since you emailed that editor with a query. Is there someone you can contact and offer your services? Pitch an idea and see where it leads. I did this and ended up getting one of my biggest paying jobs, yet. (Ephesians 6:7)

Stay proactive in sending out your words when you “return and submit!”

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions for writers, Imposter Syndrome, overcoming rejection, rejection, self-esteem

Devotions for Writers

What Shall I Write?

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

Do you feel compelled to write, but don’t know where to start? The prophet Isaiah could relate. He was so overwhelmed by the frailty of life he didn’t know what to say (Isaiah 40:6-9). The Lord told him to proclaim from the mountaintops, “God is here!”

Could you affirm ways you’ve seen the Lord’s hand at work in your life? There’s someone who needs to know they’ve not been forgotten.

Isaiah 40 provides great subject matter to prod your creativity. God is portrayed as a comforter who speaks tenderly (Isaiah 40:1-2). Could you tell a story of a nurturing moment with your Mom or Dad, your child, or grandchildren? Could you show how that reminded you God is a caring Father?

John the Baptist was foretold in Isaiah 40:3-5. Could you tell of your pregnancy announcement and the parenting instinct that arose in the ensuing months? What emotions of anticipation built as you waited? How has the expectation of a heavenly home created hope for you?

Isaiah 40:11 reminds us of the Good Shepherd. Do you have stories of farm life, your pet, or when you observed someone caring for another? How can that translate to action toward someone who needs care?

God’s authority, power and caring are displayed in this chapter. You can share examples of good leaders and how they’ve influenced you. What steps can someone take to become an effective pacesetter?

I love the reminder in Isaiah 40 that God is bigger than any crisis we face. In times of tranquility or turmoil, the writer has the responsibility to bring comfort and hope. Your pen wields the fires for a pandemic or peace. How will you respond?

Exercise:

Read the whole chapter of Isaiah 40. Note verses that stand out to you. Journal your thoughts.
Create a meme or post of hope. Include your blog or social media link.
Come back and post it here to share with us.
Spread abroad the memes others post here, and scatter kindness.

Does life feel overwhelming? God determined where and when you would be born (Acts 17:26-27). He has a plan for you and will walk with you through each step. Whether your address is rural or urban, you have an audience to inspire. Let the courage you find in God’s Word seep into your writing. Seize the opportunity to pen His words for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags comfort, devotions for writers, encouragement, inspiration, ministry, words matter

Devotions for Writers

Weights and Measures

“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.”
Exodus 1:8 (NKJV)

Joseph enjoyed a time of great influence in Egypt. His opinion was sought, his thoughts were noted, and he commanded attention. But time moved into a new era. When Joe expired, other notables rose to the occasion. And Joe became a name of the past.

Editors change jobs. Contacts retire. Publishing houses close. It’s easy to see how quickly writing gigs can fizzle. Maybe you’re tired of trying to keep your name on the top of the slush pile? Like Joseph, you may be qualified for the job, but an unknown to the new boss in town.

There is still purpose for your words. You see life from an angle others don’t see. Believe in your calling and ask the Lord to guide your submissions. He knows how to connect you to resources and people. People came to Joseph from all over for answers (Genesis 41:57), and you can bring discernment to others from your spot on the earth.

Refresh your commitment to use your words for God’s glory. Joseph said God softened the memory of his suffering (Genesis 41:51) and brought fruit out of it (Genesis 41:52). Trust God to use your story for good and dedicate your declarations to the Lord to be used wherever He sees fit.

Exercise:

Go through your blog files and post the evergreen articles, one a day on social media. An evergreen is an article that is not time bound, it can be read again and again, and still be fresh. These can be seasonal, milestone oriented, or thoughts on life around you. When you make them available, people come back to your website and get better acquainted with who you are as a writer and as a real person.

When you share posts on social media, you keep your blog easily accessible. Those who love your work need to be reminded to check back to your blog and online for published pieces. They need your help to find those gems. And, like Joseph, through the internet your words will be widely traveled (Genesis 41:46).

While Joseph was in a position of influence, he determined weights and measures. When your words are positioned to influence, they carry weight and measure out wisdom. You’ve spent time honing your words, now it’s time to share them with the world!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Devotions for Writers

Personal Directive

“Lord, what about him?”
John 21:21 (NIV) (Read John 21:15-22)

Have you seen someone reach quick success? Maybe you’ve been writing for years and struggling to get your name out? But they come along and effortlessly get published.

It’s easy to be jealous of someone else’s success. I’ve wasted a lot of energy on the green eyed monster, and can tell you first-hand, you never win at that game. There will always be someone more qualified/talented/prettier/more popular than you. Peter questioned Jesus about John’s future in comparison to his own. Basically Jesus responded, “It’s none of your business, Peter. What is important is that you do what I’ve planned for you!”

The Lord has a specific design with you in mind. Each opportunity adds a stepping stone in the journey of self-awareness and understanding of what that design entails.

On a flight by the coastline of Georgia, I looked out the window and saw boats way down on the water. Actually, I couldn’t see the miniature vessels themselves, but I could see the white foam streamers left in their wake. I may feel miniscule, like the boats viewed from the airplane, but I can leave big waves and make a difference in the lives of others. You may not see me, but you may see where I’ve been and benefit from what I’ve done.

You, too, leave a wake behind you. God has a different plan for each of us. Don’t compare yourself to Peter or John. Do obey the Lord in what He has given you to do!

Exercise:

Do you wonder what you have to say, that someone else might want to read? Do you compare yourself with others? God has given you a writer’s voice that is uniquely you. Your assignment is from the Lord and needs to be said by you, because no one else could say it quite like you.

Have you found your voice, yet, that particular bent that affects your style of writing? A friend once commented, she knew my devotionals before seeing who wrote them. She knew my “voice.”

Pull out old journals. You’ll hear your voice, there. Read through them to appreciate how you’ve grown in wisdom and in humility toward God. Note answers to prayer and situations resolved. Stop to write down thoughts that trigger story ideas. How can you help someone who might be facing the same struggle?

Learn from Peter, that each one has an important assignment from God!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags attitude, calling, devotions, devotions for writers, jealousy, personal directive, Purpose, success

Devotions for Writers

Allegiance to the Call

“I have done as you have commanded.”
Ezekiel 9:11 (NIV)

In our passage, the man with the writing kit at his side returns to the Lord with his mission accomplished. He knew his assignment and the terms to complete it.

Have you ever felt convicted to write a piece that an editor didn’t feel convicted to publish? You worked and reworked to make sure it was ready. But, what you submitted wasn’t what the editor needed.

Maybe success is not measured by reward, but by faithfulness to what God has called you to do.

How does inspiration strike you? Whether an idea niggles at you for weeks, or pops up instantaneously, it can take you by surprise when fleshed out. What an awesome opportunity to watch an idea form. It has the power to inspire, intrigue, and inspect your audience. Best of all, work done for the Lord may impact someone for eternity.

I remember reading an article about doorways that convinced me that they are welcoming agents and first impressions. Now, I notice doorways when in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Who would have thought writing about a doorway would be important? But that author found an angle to made it compelling, and it did affect me!

Let’s link arms in obedience to write for God! He put writers on earth for a purpose, and as we fulfill that design, we too will experience the satisfaction of telling the Lord, “I have done as You have commanded!”

Exercise:

You have been writing. You have been mailing in work to editors. You are learning to discipline yourself to keep office hours. You are seeing the efforts of your hard work adding up to a nice list of queries.

But, what if it’s been months with no response from your query? General response time is six to eight weeks! Your mission today, should you choose to accept it, is to follow up on that long-lost piece. It could be buried on an editor’s desk. It could have fallen through the gap when the publication changed hands. But you need to politely inquire as to the status of that piece!

Go in obedience to God, to follow up on something He inspired. You obeyed Him by writing it in the first place, now obey Him by following up on what He orchestrated.

Refresh the memory of your editor and sell the advantage to printing your piece. You can do it!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags calling, devotions, inspiration, inspire, success, the call

Devotions for Writers

devoted words

“Every pot…will be holy to the Lord Almighty.”
Zechariah 14:21 (NIV)

The book of Zechariah speaks to a nation returning from Exile. Israel’s release from captivity brought them to a land experiencing famine and economic difficulties. The Temple had been destroyed, and worship infiltrated by foreign influences. As God called the people back to purity, He promised blessing for obedience.

Did you notice in Zechariah 14:20-21 that the common items would become sacred, when used for the Lord? The Israelites dedicated specific items for the Temple, in the model set up with Moses and Aaron. But Zechariah prophesies a time when anything can be used. The same can be said for us. No longer needing a mediator before God, we now have access through Jesus. He is the one who purifies what we offer to His service. As we set aside the world’s agenda and make writing a priority, we are dedicating common things for God’s use.

Many times, I have wondered what I could contribute through writing. Hasn’t every idea already been published? What would I have to say that would be fresh and exciting? Yet an ordinary person surrendered to the Lord can be used for extraordinary things. Think of the times you’ve read someone else’s words, and a sentence or a thought popped out at you. What if that person had deleted their work before ever sending?

What do you use for writing? A desk becomes an altar to seek God’s guidance. Paper becomes His tablet. A Thesaurus illuminates the words. And a pen flows with inspiration and perspiration: God’s ideas given to you to flesh out on paper. Maybe a common activity like washing dishes or putting gas in the car can become a place to ponder God’s faithfulness?

What will you dedicate to the Lord today? Whether on a laptop, a journal or a scrap of paper, lay your musings at the Lord’s feet for His use, in His time.

An ordinary person surrendered to the Lord can be used for extraordinary things.

Exercise:

Pull out a piece you gave up on. Maybe you filed it away because it received one too many rejection letters. Maybe the idea never got mailed because it just couldn’t get the angle that would make it pop.

How could you rework the article? Do you still agree with the stance you took? Does it still speak for your philosophy, or have life experiences given you a different view of your topic?

You may have thought it was ordinary, but the Lord wanted to use it for good. Dedicate yourself to sprucing it up, and then trust God with the editor’s response!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags devotions, every voice matters, ordinary, Perseverance

Devotions for Writers

Equipped for the Job

…Showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
Daniel 1:4 (NIV)

Daniel is a larger-than-life hero to me. He seemed to handle being transplanted to Babylon with grace and ease. He adapted to the unfamiliar culture. He was a leader among his peers. Yet, I can’t imagine Daniel was born that way. Training began, and discipline was learned, early in life. A Jewish boy was tutored in the nuances of the Torah. He was taught to submit to authority, and to respect God.

In what way does a writer submit to authority? We show respect to the Lord when we respect those who guide our writing. Editors, publishers and agents all have a job to pull the best out of writers. We’re on the same team, the one looking to create a stellar product, and when one wins, we all win.

We also have to adapt to the culture of the book world. Marketing, social media, speaking and book signings are part of the place where we reside. For those of us who would rather stay behind the computer screen than to be out front, there’s hope. Writers’ conferences are available to teach various aspects of promotion, and organizations like Toastmasters stir up confidence in public speaking.

A most curious phrase comes from the passage; Daniel was qualified to serve in the king’s palace. How does someone become qualified, except by practice? So too, with a writer, by practicing, we hone the skill. We learn the disciplines of our trade. Of us, it will also be said, “they show aptitude for every kind of learning, they stay well informed about the topic, they are quick to understand another point of view, and are qualified to serve as scribes for the Eternal King!”

Exercise:

Daniel honed his intellect. Self-editing is one way we can hone our skills.

Look back over yesterday’s work (or the last piece of writing you worked on). Does it still sing to you? How do the words flow? Read it silently. Read it out loud. Read it, pausing between each sentence. What do you need to edit? What could be said more succinctly?

Could you submit it to a writing partner for a critique?

Remember, our goal is to honor the King of Kings. In order to serve in His palace, let’s dedicate ourselves to represent Him with our best!

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Tags equipped, practice, qualified, self-editing, write for God