Changes in Blog Posts Starting December 1

I’ve prayed about the direction and content of A Word of Encouragement headed into 2014. As discussed from this blog’s launch, its posts are designed to encourage you through earthly trials and your spiritual walk with Christ.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

God has led me on a path of encouraging others, and the mission of this blog will continue to be centered on encouragement.

Those of you who are regular followers and e-mail subscribers know I’m passionate about many things. Among these are people hurting (physically, mentally, and spiritually), missions, my fellow Christian writers, the persecuted and oppressed worldwide, and the role of Christians in a secular progressive society. This makes for a broad genre of writing topics.

Because of how hectic my life has been in the past year, I discontinued Writers’ Corner to devote my attention solely to devotion/prayer posts each week. Occasionally, I’ve mixed in hot topics, current events, or mental health issues. I’ve reserved the most hard-hitting issues for my other blog, Count The Costs.

My life isn’t any less busy now. In fact, it’s probably more so, but this is where change, through more clearly defining my blogging schedule and topics, will be good for me, as well.

Beginning the week of December 1, this will be my new blogging schedule:

Wednesdays will remain the devotion/prayer blog post. If you need prayer or want encouragement, this post is for you. Please e-mail me at any time during the week for your prayer request to be included in the upcoming post.

Fridays will be posts to encourage my fellow Christian writers. This may include author interviews, writing tips, resources, book reviews, and insight into my own writing journey. If you’re an author who has a book releasing or already published, feel free to email me for an interview. I’d love to highlight your work for other authors to be encouraged by and readers to discover your intriguing books.

One thing impressed upon me when I first began writing is that writers are on a journey. You never “arrive” unless you’re J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Jan Karon, or someone of that caliber. Therefore, writers are on the path behind you and ahead of you. Everyone helps everyone else. I’ve been fortunate to have had some wonderful Christian authors help me, and in turn, I mentor other writers and belong to critique groups. I ghostwrite and edit, as well. So I’d like to use Fridays as a forum to share with other writers so we can all encourage each other.

I will still share an occasional fun post, as I did about Mayberry after Andy Griffith died, or some other current event. Or I might blog live from a writing conference when I attend one. These will be extras.

As for more hard-hitting posts about current events or hot topic issues related to Christianity, these will be exclusively on my other blog, Count The Costs. These will typically be more in-depth and heavily researched topics.

An example of something I might blog about on CTC would be a news report I read this week of eighty-five people publically executed in North Korea for possessing Bibles, pornography, or South Korean videos. Keep in mind in North Korea, anything religious is considered pornography, so it’s safe to assume a large percentage of the folks executed were Christians. They were all lined up and then mowed down with machine gun fire for everyone to witness. Though it’s difficult to verify any news coming out of North Korea, these questions can still be asked: How does this effect American Christians? We’re often soft and comfortable within our shores where religious persecution typically doesn’t cost someone their lives, but would we dare own a Bible if it meant we could be killed for it? What is our role to help our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide?

Luke 14:27-33 states we are to count the costs of following Christ. Some of you might not want to read or discuss these type issues, nor others I’ve discussed like abortion or Hobby Lobby’s religious battle with the government, genocide, or human trafficking. That’s fine. But if you do want to be a part of these discussions or just become more informed, head over to Count The Costs and become a follower or e-mail subscriber. As always, both of my blogs are interlinked, and the link for each can be found at the top right of each blog.

Though I’ve used a few select guest posts in the past, new in 2014 is my plan to open up Count The Costs as a writing opportunity for guest bloggers. Please read the guest post submission guidelines at the top of the blog before submitting, though. Thanks!

Hopefully, this clear delineation of where we’re headed on A Word of Encouragement and Count The Costs for the upcoming year will make it easier for everyone to find the posts they most want to read and then become involved in discussions or prayer for others.

I’ve enjoyed the past two and a half years of blogging and getting to know some of my readers better. You’ve been a blessing to me through your faithful following and prayer support. I look forward to a wonderful new year of blogging with you.   

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

When Change is Thrust Upon Us

learning to fly

“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”~C. S. Lewis

My son Josh graduates from high school this Friday. Thank God he’s not leaving the nest, as well. I don’t think I could handle that much change all at once. I’m definitely not ready for him to fly away! J

At times I think—if only he could be a toddler again for one day. Sounds like a good plan, but life doesn’t work that way. And would we want it to? Some days I’d answer with a resounding “Yes!” but then I realize God gives us the fortitude to go through life once—not twice. And it’d be pretty selfish to wish someone else’s life would be put on hold to satisfy our longings.

So why is transition so difficult? We know when we have children, their years under our wings are limited. But we often wish for them to “get grown” while trying to slow them down at the same time.

C.S. Lewis has a point. We balk at change and rail at monotony. We can’t have it both ways. But when change is thrust upon us, a practical solution is to stay busy.

So…

 

Since Josh is graduating and our daughter Lindsay is returning home for an extended weekend, we decided to do a long-overdue deck remodel. Our Australian Shepherd Dixie had claimed the patio chairs as her own, so we replaced the old patio set, our old grill, and added a water feature and deck plants. 

These pics don’t do it justice, but these are the “after” pics. I wasn’t smart enough to think to take “before” pics.

 

 

We left Dixie one old chair to keep her off the new set.  

 

While change is often bittersweet, we can revel in the splendor of the greatest change we could ever experience—when we repent of our old ways and accept rebirth through Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Praise God!

I heard this song for the first time this week. It fits well with the theme of change. I hope you're as blessed by it as I was.

I’m all about encouragement, so this week I’m asking you, my readers, to share some. What ideas or favorite scripture passages do you have to encourage others going through transition? Perhaps the change is not as happy as graduation but something that leaves one feeling helpless like the death of a loved one or moving to a new city. If you’ve “been there, done that,” share an encouraging comment for those in the throes of change.

And if you have a prayer request or praise report, I’d love to hear from you. E-mail me any confidential requests. Would you take a moment to visit Sgt. Jesse McCart’s page at the top of the blog (new photos added), as well as the Mission page which has the latest opportunity for you to help out? The biggest way you can help, as always, is prayer.

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Crossing The Deep

Guest blogger and Christian author Kelly Martin shares her writing journey and a word of encouragement this morning. Welcome, Kelly!

1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

(NLT)

I love the title of this blog, A Word of Encouragement. I have an ‘encouragement’ blog as well: Encourage 365. I firmly believe that encouragement is needed in this life to build people up and just plan keep them going.

There are times when people who give encouragement, need to get it. I can’t speak for Laura, but I know that I get down sometimes. Thankfully, God always sends me someone to help me, give a kind word, a smile, a scripture, a word of encouragement.

My sister, Kathy, is one of those people. A little over a year ago, I decided I was going to write a book—not just a book, a novel in 30 days (Nanowrimo—National Novel Writing Month). This was a crazy idea—not only because a WHOLE novel in just a month is a hard goal, but also because I have three small kids, a husband, teach full-time, and do so much other stuff. With her encouragement, I did it.

The first draft got finished before Thanksgiving last year… and I have to tell you, it was pretty rough! (as rough drafts tend to be). With her help, I read, revised, and edited until I got it ready to send to agents/publishers. In July, I signed a contract with Astraea Press for my Young Adult/Christian book CROSSING THE DEEP to be published on Oct. 9^th!

There were so many times I wanted to quit. So many crying texts to her… fussing texts… frustrated texts… worrywart texts… what if texts (actually she’s still getting those). But each time, she encouraged me to keep going.

Folks, we have no idea how far our encouragement goes.

If you see someone at the store and God tells you to tell them something, do it. It could make their day! I know it’s hard. My husband is much better at it than I am, but encouraging others is something we need to do.

The world is full of negative, violent, upsetting images/news stories; don’t you think it’s time to spread some positivity around?

Encourage each other. Say a kind word. Smile. Don’t knock anyone’s dreams. You never know what God has in store for them—and He just might have put you in their lives to get them there J

I want to thank Laura for allowing me to guest on her blog today. I truly appreciate it! If anyone reading this needs prayers or a word of encouragement, you can email me at ohthatmomagain@yahoo.com or go to my blogs: www.encourage365.com and www.kellymartinstories.com.

When religious Rachel Harker gets lost with Asher Jenkins, a skeptic, on a church sponsored hiking trip, she expects help to come quickly. Still lost five days later, she wonders if God is listening at all. As she slowly loses her faith, Asher is forced to find his.

~Kelly Martin is a writer, blogger, mommy, teacher, wife, sleep deprived lady (not necessarily in that order). She loves to write young adult/Christian fiction and thinks there needs to be more of it in the world. Her first book, CROSSING THE DEEP, is being released TODAY from Astraea Press. Her second book, SAINT SLOAN (also a YA/Christian novel) will be out in late winter 2013. When Kelly isn't writing, she's thinking about writing-- or watching youtube.

She can be bribed with chocolate and free ink pens.

 Follow me on twitter: @martieKay 

or on facebook: Kelly Martin, Author

OR on my blog: www.kellymartinstories.com

BUY LINKS:

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Astraeapress.com

Words That Heal

Writing Encouragement

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5b,9

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Before I share a few words for Writers’ Corner, I want to start with an update from yesterday’s prayer blog. We’ve been praying for Courtney, a young mother battling a cancerous brain tumor. She’s had brain surgery, gamma knife radiation surgery after the cancer showed new growth, and chemotherapy all in the last year. She has MRIs every two months to check treatment progress. July’s MRI was very encouraging as it showed the tumor was responding to treatment.

After yesterday’s MRI and appointment with her oncologist, this is an update from Courtney’s Caring Bridge site written by her sister Lauren:

“So Dr. Peters came in the room carrying 2 images. One was from previous MRI and other from today's. She had a huge smile on her face and excitement in her voice! She said Courtney's scan looked BEAUTIFUL! There was no enhancement shown on today's MRI which means there is no active tumor that can be seen! Chemo and radiation have killed the tumor that was left behind after surgery! Awesome news! She will continue her chemo regimen for a year in an attempt to keep any new growths from appearing. We will repeat the MRI in November. Basically, today the scan could not have looked any better. Our prayers have been answered! Thank you for praying with us! :)” 

Again, I say, Praise God! Thank you to everyone who has been faithful in lifting up Courtney (and others) in prayer through our weekly prayer blog. As a reminder, the prayer list is accessible all the time on the page above.

Now to Writers’ Corner.

I’ve nursed a migraine for the past twenty-four hours, so I’m behind on a few things—this blog post being one. So I'll share a simple word of encouragement.

We all experience periods of discouragement, whether from sickness, writer’s block, or doors that just don’t seem to be opening in our careers. This is when it’s most important to remind ourselves of why we write. We’re Christian writers because God gave us a talent and then a calling to share His message with others.

My good friend and colleague, Cindy Sproles, co-founder of Christian Devotions and Writers Advance! Bootcamp, shared this final thought at this year’s bootcamp held at The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) in North Carolina.

“When you are discouraged—write; because in discouragement there is strength to be found. When you are joyous—write; because in joy there is encouragement. When you are broken—write; because in brokenness there is growth…Your words will break through barriers, heal wounds, and guide the lost. Your words are fueled by the whispers of God.” 

I’ll share more about 2013 Writer’s Advance! Bootcamp in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, check out the website for more information.

Now, it’s your turn. I want to hear about your writing successes or hurdles you’ve overcome this week.

God bless,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole

Quiet Rejuvenation

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father."~ Apostle Paul

Unlike many folks, I look forward to Monday morning. It’s a time for me to recenter my spirit on the ministry God has called me to do. Weekends can be a bit hectic, so it’s vital I rejuvenate in order to do His work.

Rejuvenation is multi-faceted. I draw on God’s grace, peace, and strength—but I also rely on the support and encouragement of other Christians.

I don’t take it lightly when someone sends me a card or tells me they’re praying for me. That support is greatly appreciated.

I love to sit in a quiet place and read Scripture. This morning, the Apostle Paul ministered to my heart and provided the path to rejuvenation.

Paul’s letters to the early church begin with the above greeting.

Why?

His own life was overwhelming at times, as evidenced by his prayer for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” We’ve all got thorns, right? Whether they’re situations, difficult people, or health problems, the only thing that sees us through is God’s grace and peace.

Paul knew the importance of God’s grace and peace to keep the Christian centered.

I’m encouraged by Paul’s statements which reflect his dedication to Christians’ perseverance. His burden and call went beyond his missionary treks and letters to the early Christians. I believe he was forward-thinking enough to realize, either intuitively or by divine leading, his message would be carried to future Christian generations.

Paul’s letters point to his vision of looking beyond the temporal to eternity, thus drawing on God’s strength when our own is depleted.

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9

Just as Jesus prayed for future believers, to some extent Paul did, too. This prayer was directed at the Colossians, but it was also meant for us.

Paul modeled ministering to fellow Christians, in addition to bringing lost souls to Christ.

Our growth as Christians, as well as the ability to carry one another’s burdens and support ministry work, happens through prayer support. Sure, financial support is important, and Paul speaks to this aspect in ministry, as well, but I’m most encouraged by his dogged determination to impact others through prayer. 

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might…” Colossians 1:10-11a

In order to bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of Christ, believers must be strengthened with God’s power. Paul’s message reinforces that the only way to do this is through prayer, Bible study, and uplifting from fellow believers. 

“… so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:11b-14

What a great promise! I don’t know about you, but I need God’s power to give me strength, endurance, and patience in this fallen world. Through Jesus, I’m qualified to share in His inheritance.

God rescued His children from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Rest in that place of perfect peace today.

Praise His Holy Name!

Results of Contest

I shared last December that my manuscript, "Hope's Gentle Touch," had finaled in the RWA Emily Contest.

The final results are in! The manuscript placed second in the Contemporary Single Title category. Since this contest was opened nationwide to all authors, secular and Christian, representing a variety of genres, I feel blessed and honored that "Hope's Gentle Touch" was so competitive in this field.

Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers through my writing journey. It means so much to me!