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

Lift Your Eyes

Look to the heavens.

As a little girl, I believed my father could do anything. When my mother, siblings, and I returned from a visit to Miami to see my grandparents, we found our German Shepherd dog Beatles dead. (It was the late 1960s, hence the name J). 

Devastated, I clung to my mom, crying and begging her not to let my older brother David bury the dog. Daddy would be home in a few hours, and he would fix Beatles. My mother tried to explain Daddy couldn’t bring an animal back to life. Inconsolable, I insisted otherwise. Mom finally loaded us into the car and took us to town for ice cream while David buried Beatles.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve tried to imagine what God looks like. Is He a man like you and me? After all, He came down and walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The Bible says we were formed in His image. As the Old Testament progresses, it becomes apparent God is more. Moses wasn’t even allowed to look at God as His glory passed by because of His magnificence and holiness.

As an adult, I realize God encompasses so much, trying to assign a physical label to Him is impossible. 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. Isaiah 40:21-22

My earthly father has limitations I didn’t see as a child. He couldn’t bring Beatles back, and I eventually got over my hurt feelings. The dog’s passing served its purpose to teach me an early lesson about the finality and grief of death. 

Though our heavenly father has no limitations, we feel since He is capable of doing all things, He should do all we ask. Right? Whatever lessons might be involved in a “no” answer, we’re not interested. The fact that He might have a better alternative to our demands doesn’t matter when we’re staring down a problem. 

“To Whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy one.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name, Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:25-26

I encourage you to turn loose of the worry encompassing you today. Give it to God and trust Him with the answer.

Will you join me in prayer for those who are hurting and walking through trials?

·       Karen Redding in hospice care

·       A friend whose unemployment benefits ran out has now found a minimum wage job at a gas station/store. She praises God for that and all your prayers from last week! I’m requesting you continue to pray for her employment situation—that something in her career field will become available.

·       Several people requesting prayer for health problems such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and mental illness, as well as employment issues.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comment section or email me confidentially. My contact info is above. 

I’d also love to hear how God is working in your lives, so please share your praise reports, as well. 

I first heard this song, "Starry Night" by Chris August a few years ago while attending a fall leaf festival in the North Carolina mountains. It reminds me that God is everywhere in creation. You only have to look around to see this is so. Every aspect of your life matters to Him. 

God bless,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole