Tag: devotions

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Caught in the Candy Jar

devotions

“Gra’ma, can I have some candy?”

“Not yet,” I said. “We’re getting ready to eat supper.”

Eyes focused on me, his little hand reached into the container and grabbed several morsels. Before I could reach out, his full mouth smirked at me. Knowing there was more at stake than a spoiled meal, I marched my grandson to the waste basket and ordered him to spit out the candy.

Oh yes, I have acted just like my grandson. I, too, have a streak of stubborn independence. How many times have I asked the Lord about something, then gone ahead with it when I sensed a “no” or a “not now?” Many times, it’s not about bad choices but poor timing—like staying up late to work on a project then getting up for an 8:00 zoom meeting. Or, working through lunch, then raiding the snack drawer. Maybe it’s working on social media content instead of seeking insight for my work on deadline.

What makes us think we can get away with things when the Lord has said no to them? Are we so confident in His benevolence we believe we are exempt from the consequences?

Just like a grandmother knows a better meal is coming, God can see the bigger picture for the range and outreach of the words we write.

Exercise:

  1. What does it mean to “have zeal without knowledge?” Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)
  2. How can research help your WIP?
  3. How does knowledge reflect self-love? Proverbs 19:8
  4. Why is it wise to seek better understanding for your WIP?
  5. Patience is a by-product of what trait? Proverbs 19:11
  6. How could patience be applied to your writing?
  7. Do you need to administer grace to yourself in your writing projects?
  8. What does it look like to be a “prudent” writer? Proverbs 19:14 (NIV)
  9. How does laziness creep into our work habits? Proverbs 19:15
  10. What has God been asking you to give up, in order to pursue the better thing?
  11. How do instructions offer life to our words? Proverbs 19:16
  12. How is the Lord nudging your writing focus?
  13. How does discipline bring hope to our writing? Proverbs 19:18
  14. What are the plans you’re asking the Lord to bless? Proverbs 19:21
  15. How is your walk with God giving life to your writing? Proverbs 19:23

What would Solomon say to us today? Be teachable! Proverbs 19:20

Sally Ferguson

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 sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Will You STep into Your Bethlehem?

devotions

                                                         

Do you realize you have something in common with Ruth the Moabitess?

We’ll explore that in the exercise. First, let’s refresh our memories about her story.

Ruth was married to Naomi’s son. They had a sweet life together and Ruth was drawn to Naomi’s simple faith. Then, tragedy struck the family and left the women as widows.

Ruth decided to go with her mom-in-love back to Naomi’s homeland. There, Ruth labored behind the barley and wheat harvesters and caught the attention of the owner of the field. He became her link for protection and provision.

There is so much more to this story, so stop now and read all four chapters in the book of Ruth.

Exercise:

  1. Ruth left her homeland and culture. She ventured into unchartered waters and endeavored to get acquainted with her new community. Ruth 1:16-17

Writers must leave their comfort zone to unite with readers, writers and editors.

Writers who work with writers become better equipped to navigate the marketplace of words.

How will you stretch yourself? Will you join a writers group or attend a writers conference? Will you send in a new submission every month or every week? Make a note of your intent and post it as a daily reminder.

  • Ruth was known for her loyalty. Ruth 2:11. She was dedicated to Naomi and worked hard to provide for them both.

Writers require a stick-to-itiveness to tackle the words they’re seeking.

What steps can you take to guard your writing time? How will you solidify your commitment to the hard work of the writing life?

  • Naomi told Ruth that Boaz had a special connection to their family. Ruth 2:20. He became her link to the line of King David and later the Messiah. Matthew 1:1-16

Who you know is often a catalyst in the writing business.

We’re told to build our social media and meet agents and editors. We may never guess who will be in our family lineage of writing kinsmen, but it will be a great reunion of minds later!

Brainstorm ways you can join and support other writers. Research writers conferences and faculty members. What can you learn from these contacts?

Take a lesson from Ruth and leave your comfort zone. Be loyal to your time with words. Develop connections with people who may later introduce you to your manuscript-redeemer. You will be blessed to be a part of the writing family.

Are you ready to venture out like Ruth?

Sally Ferguson

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 sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

what’s your great big idea?

devotions

Once upon a time, there was a writer with a Great Idea. That Great Idea was so big, she worked and worked to develop it. She did market research, built a proposal and invested in her Great Big Idea by taking it to several writing retreats. She told people about it, even crafting her bio to announce the forthcoming Great Idea project. Friends encouraged her and celebrated her bravado. Many shared stories to help the Great Idea move along. The future looked bright for the Great Big Idea.

However, the further the writer plugged away at Big Idea, the harder it got. She got discouraged. She got overwhelmed. And Big Idea languished. The writer stopped pursuing the Great Big Idea.

Consider this story:

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” Matthew 25:14-18 NIV (Read the full story in Matthew 25:14-30)

Exercise:

Thoughts to ponder—feel free to comment below.

  1. How is the writer like the first two servants in the passage?
  2. How is the writer like the man who hid his master’s money?
  3. Can you relate to our writer? Why or why not?
  4. What should a writer do to get motivated again?
  5. How would you help another who is stuck?
  6. How do you reevaluate the writing projects you pursue?
  7. If  knowledge is the writer’s currency, how does one expand its reach?

My NIV Footnotes for Matthew 25:14-30 says…

What we have is like a trust fund from God. The wise stewardship of that trust fund will be measured by faithfulness, not success.

If you redefined your standard of success to reflect your faithfulness to the task, what would that look like for your WIP?

Reflect on Mark 13:34-36, then gather up your Great Big Idea and give it a boost!

What will you do with that which you’ve been entrusted?

Sally Ferguson

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 sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Will This Be The Year?

devotions

A young girl cradled her doll—scraps of cloth stitched together by her mother. She followed her mommy throughout the day with an adoring heart. Happy to help knead the dough and fold the clothes, Liz wanted to be just like her mom when she grew up.

As a young teen, Liz caught the eye of a handsome kinsman. Her father was happy with the match and made the arrangements according to their custom. The nuptials consumed Liz and the days passed like a dream.

Years went by. Baby showers were a frequent meeting place for the women in her town. Liz quickly changed the conversation when asked, “When will you and Zech start your family?”

Will this be the year she feels the stab of tiny feet against her womb?

Maybe your heart’s desire is to birth a book baby. Maybe you’ve completed portions and envision illustrations. Maybe you’ve pitched your query and felt the sting of rejection.

Will this be the year your vision becomes a reality?

What does it look like to keep plugging away at a project that doesn’t seem like it will ever happen? Research the following verses to bolster your resolve.

Exercise:

Steps to remain faithful in waiting:

  1. Keep writing articles. “Let us not become _____ in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if ­­­___________.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
  2. Keep submitting queries. “There was a widow in that town who kept _____ to him.” Luke 18:1-5 NIV
  3. Build up a resume of words. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were ________ the Lord rather than for people. Remember… that the Master you are ______ is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
  4. Participate in a writers group. “Plans go wrong for lack of ______; many advisers bring ______.” Proverbs 15:22 NLT
  5. Build relationships with industry pros. “What you ____ from me, keep as the _____ of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 NIV
  6. Celebrate other authors. “Therefore _____ and ______ each other up.” 1Timothy 5:11 NIV
  7. Keep learning the craft. “The wise accumulate _______—a true _____.” Proverbs 10:14 MSG

Read the rest of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story in Luke 1. Consider the outcome of their faith. Are you waiting for your writing to make a mark? Will you praise God before God reveals an answer?

What helps you remain faithful to your call to write?

Sally Ferguson

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 sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

use it or lose it

devotions

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 unmistakable “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.              2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (PHILLIPS)

My favorite perfume has a beautiful design on the bottle. A lovely floral pattern contrasts against the white cylinder. A bold silver strip encircles the vase. But there’s a problem—what’s inside has gone flat. You see, I thought I should save the aromatic liquid for special occasions. I thought it would always be there for me, ready for just a touch of the fine mist.

But perfume gathering dust on a shelf loses its purpose. It was meant to flavor the world with a fine aroma and heighten the olfactory senses. Unused, perfume becomes a sour token of its former glory.

What about writing? When I keep putting off the work of writing in order to tackle the tyranny of the urgent, my words get shelved and buried like the papers on my overflowing desk. Writing loses its luster and languishes in obscure places. Words are meant to encourage, enlighten and exhort, but expire when left unexpressed.

What causes words to become stale? Could the use of passive voice, lack of passion, or prideful statements take away the delivery punch?

What enables words to be sweet-smelling? Could hope, humor, and heartfelt fragrance enliven a manuscript?

Let’s prime the pump in the following exercise.

Exercise:

Ponder this:

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3 (NIV)

Why was Mary’s gesture so unusual?

In what way does it relate to your writing?

May Mary’s extravagance inspire a generous overflow of love to those around us!

Where can you fill the air with a pleasing aroma?

Words are meant to encourage, enlighten and exhort, but expire when left unexpressed.

Let your words encourage, enlighten and exhort!

Sally Ferguson

Sally Ferguson loves to dive into God’s Word and splash his refreshing water onto others. She speaks and writes with a look at snapshots of life in the sunshine and in the storms.

Sally plans women’s retreats and she’s working on a Bible study for caregivers. She lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

The Gift

devotions

Writing is a gift given by God to us, but it is also a present we offer back to God. The Creator of words creates words in us, His creation! He bestows the charge and the honor on us to pen His words responsibly.

Sometimes I take that talent for granted. And, sometimes I plead with the Lord to renew His word in me. Take, for instance, the time last week when I sat down to write a devotional. All I could think about was an argument that had caused a rift. I tossed the scene back and forth in my mind. But the words I wanted to write would not come to the page. The harder I tried to compose, the less I had to say.

Matthew 5:23-24 says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (NIV)

I wanted to offer my devotional at the altar to the Lord, yet something else had to be settled first.

Exercise:

Read Matthew 5:21-26

  • What does murder have to do with anger?
  • How does anger affect your creativity?
  • How does showing mercy change your heart attitude?
  • Do you anger easily? Why does Ecclesiastes 7:9 call anger foolish?
  • When does anger turn into sin? Ephesians 4:25-27, 29-32.
  • Are there times when anger can be used for good?
  • Has anger ever fueled your writing for a worthy cause? Maybe when you wrote about abortion (Proverbs 31:8) or bullying (Proverbs 31:9)?
  • How is forgiveness a compassionate response?
  • How do you find compassion to forgive when you are hurt by another?
  • In what way could you develop the habit of listening more? James 1:19-20
  • How could you become more teachable? James 1:21
  • How does hate strangle us? 1 John 3:15
  • What kind of debt does anger create? Matthew 5:26
  • What are the benefits of reconciliation? 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

If, like me, your words are stuck, take time to clear the air. Ask God to reveal any sin that is hindering your creativity, and pay the debt of love so that you will again be free to offer your gift! 1 John 1:9

Would you share a story in the comments of a time your words were blocked because of trouble in a relationship? How did you resolve it?

Sally Ferguson

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

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for April, Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Come Write with Us

When it comes to writing projects, getting started sometimes can be the hardest part. In this open mic episode of Writers Chat, Brandy Brow, one of our weekly cohosts, leads us on a free writing trip. She shares the different types of writing prompts people use to bring twists and turns to their stories. Then she leads us on a five minute free way of writing. After this, we journey through another prompt of writing to music. If you’re stuck, or simply want to know some different ways to get ideas, this episode is for you.

Watch the April 20th replay.

Diving into Devotions with Julie Lavender

Whether you write devotions or are curious about them, this episode is a wonderful how-to for writing and submitting devotions. Julie shares a wealth of information from her years of experience as a devotion writer, covering everything from writing to submitting for publication. For more information check out this week’s episode.

Watch the April 27th replay.

Bio

Julie Lavender, whose maiden name is “Bland,” jokes that she loved trading her dull name for a colorful one. Julie is a journalist, author, and former homeschooling mom of twenty-five years with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is an award-winning writer and her newest book, 365 Ways To Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments Into Lasting Memories (Revell), released in October. Julie enjoys making memories with her family and would love to connect with you at www.julielavenderwrites.com or on her Facebook group page, 365 Ways to Love Your Child. You can connect with Julie on social media or www.julielavenderwrites.com.

JOIN US

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for June, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Devotions: Nuggets of Gold with Tracy Crump

In this episode of Writers Chat, Tracy shares several nuggets on writing devotions like write tight, have only one point, and do the research. She also discussed the “Hook, Book, Took, Look” method used to write devotions. Hook the reader, use scripture (Book), how devotion applies to read (Look), and a take away. If you write devotions or have thought about it but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is a gold mine.

Watch the June 16th replay.

Tracy Crump is the co-director of WriteLife Workshops, a devotional writer, speaker, and editor with over twenty stories published in several anthologies, like Chicken Soup for the Soul®. She also has approximately eighty devotions in magazines such as Guideposts, Upper Room, Quiet Hour, just to name a few. Tracy’s book, Healing and Wholeness Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness, releases in the fall of 2020. You can find Tracy on Facebook and Twitter or visit her website www.tracycrump.com

Social Media Best Practices for 2020 with Victoria Duerstock

Once again, Victoria joins Writers Chat to share updates on best practices for social media in 2020. She shares tips on growth and engagement on Instagram, FaceBook, Twitter, and more that helped her grow her platform to over 40,000. Writers know how important platform (or tribe) is in today’s publishing market, so check out today’s episode and see how to best navigate social media growth in 2020.

Watch the June 23rd replay.

Victoria Duerstock is a speaker, author (her latest books are Biblical Hospitality and Advent Devotions & Christmas Crafts for Families), and is part of the Serious Writer team as their social media expert. She has a heart for women and enjoys speaking for women’s groups and conferences.You can connect with Victoria on social media or visit her website at www.victoriaduerstock.com

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Personal Directive

devotions

“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!

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

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Allegiance to the Call

devotions

“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!

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

Categories
Devotions for Writers

devoted words

devotions

“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!

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

Categories
Guest post archive

Three Hard Lessons I Learned Writing Nonfiction-David Brannock

Which is easier: fiction or nonfiction? It depends … on who you ask and when you ask them.

Today I’m learning about characters, dialogue, and plot to create my first screenplay. But five years ago, fiction appealed to me as much as a creepy clown beckoning me into the woods. The “what if?” possibilities stretched before me like the toothpaste aisle at Walmart. #Overwhelmed

In 2012 I left the pastoral ministry to write a nonfiction book. Sermons, reports, and newsletters trained me to communicate about real things, factual events. Last spring on CreateSpace, I released Choose: Fulfill Your Created Purpose for high school graduates.

Over the past five years, I’ve learned three hard lessons writing nonfiction.

  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NOW.

“Now” means after the work has been appropriately revised, critiqued, and/or edited.

What if I get rejected? Welcome to the club. But the only way our words can change lives is to risk sending them into the world. If you need a nudge to submit your work, have you heard encouragement like this?

  • “You can’t hit a home run from the dugout.”
  • “You can’t grow a garden with unplanted seeds.”
  • “You can’t walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat.”

They don’t pay if my work is accepted. Income is nice, but to learn the craft and establish myself as a serious writer, I had to accept a number of free opportunities for publication. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Three popular options:

  • Blogs (your own site and guest posts for other blogs)
  • Compilations (such as Bible studies or Christmas stories)
  • Devotions (such as Christian Devotions Ministries)
  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NOT YET.

“Not yet” implies a season of discernment before a decision later.

If we birth our manuscript prematurely, we can count on low sales and bad reviews. Editors are our friends. They’ll help us develop our “baby” until it’s ready for delivery.

Which could take a while. At my first writers’ conference in 2013, the first several pages of my 65,000 word draft on clergy burnout was critiqued. The raw candor began:

At 12:01 p.m. on June 20, 2012, I walked out on the bride of Christ. I still loved Jesus with everything I had. But I was through taking care of his demanding bride. I was tired of her turning me and others off with her unattractive behavior. I was done. No more trying to meet the endless needs of his self-centered church.

The feedback? “It felt like the opening of Saving Private Ryan. Keep writing through the pain. But don’t publish until you move beyond the pain, so you can temper your hurt with hope for the reader.”

Continue healing until you can discuss awful experiences with objectivity. Readers don’t want to wallow in our trauma. They seek solutions and redemption for their pain. When we can offer a way forward, readers will embrace the help.

Today, much of my rant on clergy burnout remains where it belongs: in a file. I may or may not stare it in the face again someday. Yet I did use parts of that draft in Choose. Those areas were ready to help my target audience.

  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NEVER.

“Never” involves topics best treated as free therapy – thus kept confidential – since words can’t be erased once they’re online or in print.

Are the people who hurt us still alive? The long-term cost may not justify the short-term satisfaction of paying back a harmful character. Unlike a novelist, we can’t disguise the real-life model for our villain by changing their name, gender, and occupation.

If strong emotions bubble up while we write, use the keyboard to release the molten lava. Don’t hold back. Let it rip! Rain fire and brimstone on that stinky dog who treated us like a fire hydrant. Justice feels wonderful! Then, take a deep breath … exhale slowly … and press DELETE.

Three of the hardest lessons I learned about writing nonfiction reflect the importance of timing: (1) Now. (2) Not yet. (3) Never. May we choose wisely.

David Brannock is a clear writer and speaker who loves using analogies and teaching new perspectives. He previously worked as a CPA, instructor, and pastor. David’s current projects involve writing drama for stage and screen. Visit him at DavidBrannock.com.