Writer Beware—Don’t Compare

by Rachael M. Colby @RachaelColby7

Sometimes I think of other writers and chide myself for not being further along. Comparison is a wretched road that leads to self-doubt, discouragement, and discontent. When I compare my status with others, it drains my mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. I remind myself, start where you are. That’s where God meets us.

There is a chasm of difference between begrudging someone’s good fortune, abilities, or ministry, versus admiring and desiring their gifting and asking our heavenly Father to bless us likewise. Elisha asked for a double portion of the prophet Elijah’s spirit (a heart for God and His people, faith, anointing, and ministry) and received it. *1 To harbor envy because of someone else’s ability or success is like accusing God of denying what’s best for us. God is the good Father who delights in giving to His children and encourages us to bring all our requests to Him.

I'm praying for Your Writing Dream and Against Any Discouragement You May Feel

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

Dear Lord, You have put a dream in the heart of every person reading this. This dream is such a fragile thing. But is it really? In truth, with its roots resting in You, it’s one of the strongest things we have. Lead us places to help this well-rooted dream grow. Keep us from yanking it out from the root when we are frustrated and don’t think things are moving the way they should or as quickly as they should. 

It Really is a Wonderful Life

by Dr. Craig von Buseck @CraigVonBuseck

Like many of you, one of my favorite Christmas movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” We all know the classic tale of a talented young man named George Bailey who dreams of adventure in exotic lands. He sees himself going to college and becoming a great architect and builder. These hopes are shattered when his father dies suddenly and George is forced to take over the family business.

George postpones his own dreams due to a feeling of love and obligation for his family. This becomes painfully clear when a crisis arises and in a fit of anger he kicks over a model of a suspension bridge and a high rise building—the remnants of his dream to be an architect.

It’s in these dashed hopes where we often see ourselves. You may desire to be a revered best-selling author and speaker. Yet the reality may be that you work a job which you only endure—or worse, despise—and you write when you can, early in the morning, at night, or on the weekends.

How a Writer's Words Become Part of God's Masterpiece

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

My husband and I enjoy the challenge of assembling jigsaw puzzles with our best friends, the Mooneys. Paula and Lowell got us hooked on puzzling several years ago. They usually purchase the puzzle, and it stays at their house. We work together on Friday nights when our schedules mesh, nibbling on pizza and connecting puzzle pieces. 

When we first get started, the pieces look like nothing more than a jumbled mess. We help the design take shape and when enough pieces connect, we watch the picture slowly come into focus. 

The Mooneys add pieces without us, but they always make sure to invite David and me over when the puzzle is almost finished. They want us to be there to join the last pieces, completing our masterpiece! We usually celebrate with ice cream. 

At times, I like to think about my writing journey somewhat like a puzzle. Lots of pieces need to come together to create a masterpiece. And, I absolutely love tracing God’s hand in the process, recognizing how He meticulously connected each piece to create that work of art.

TAKING PART IN GOD’S WRITING PROCESS

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Christian writers feel called to take part in the creative nature of God, emulating the greatest author in (or outside) history by changing the lives of others with words. 

But God writes more than words. In fact, Scripture says you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). He’s authoring your life story, skillfully weaving a chronicle of hope, purpose, and transformation.

Who Do You Say I Am?

by Sarah Van Diest 
@SarahVanDiest

That question is simple, but incredibly complex, yes? You can answer with your name, your occupation, your position in a family or in society, etc. Some will answer with their sexual orientation. And we may all answer that question differently depending on who is asking and what the context is, but just because we offer different answers at different times or to different people doesn’t mean our identity changes, does it?

Taking Time to Remember I Have a Purpose

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It's easy to lose sight of the fact that each of us has a specific purpose here on earth. Today, take time to remember...

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Blessings,
Edie