Chisels and planer on a wood plank with curled shavings on top

Potato Chip Plank by Laurie Herlich

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Potato Chip Plank by Laurie Herlich “…and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2b, ESV). Woodworkers sometimes find the wood resists conforming to their purpose. My skilled friend once sanded an enormous plank he intended to craft into a dining room […]

Honed Skills by Kim Robinson

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Honed Skills by Kim Robinson   “All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work-descendants of Obed-Edom, sixty-two in all” (1 Chronicles 26: 8, NIV).                                    Sometimes the Lord surprises us with the direction he […]

Keep Sowing; Don’t Give Up by Jody Armstrong

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Keep Sowing; Don’t Give Up by Jody Armstrong   “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us […]

Cheering for the Team Win

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Cheering for the Team Win by Tina Yeager   “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).   Warmed by powerful lighting through the award ceremony for the past two hours, every surface of the stage glowed. Dozens […]

Growing Through Critique

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Growing Through Critique by Leigh DeLozier “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5, NIV).   When I began my writing journey, one piece of advice appeared everywhere I turned–join a critique group. Experienced writers said the perspective of others adds […]

Eight Ways to Affirmation: A Writer’s Inspiration Menu

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8 Ways to Affirmation: A Writer’s Inspiration Menu by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV). Sometimes God’s words of affirmation slip from my memory when I face rejection letters, missed […]

I Give Up!

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I Give Up! by Donna Mumma   “Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11, NKJV).   I recently received a rejection letter that hurt. Badly. […]

He Reigns in the Storms

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He Reigns in the Storms by Tina Yeager   “A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger … He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm … ‘Who is […]

Accepting Advice

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Accepting Advice by Alice H. Murray   “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)).   The chapel at the Christian writers’ retreat resonated with the sound of voices singing praise to our Creator. My brain was bursting with writing tips, […]