Janice Hanna's Blog, page 5

Quotes for Writers

Enjoy these fun quote, sure to inspire! Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, there’s something here to uplift, encourage, and propel you to be the best writer you can be!

Keep Writing, Keep Growing

Writing is a journey, not a destination. Every word you put on the page is a step forward, a lesson learned, a story taking shape. Some days the words will flow like a river; other days, they’ll trickle like a leaky faucet—but keep writing anyway. The only way to grow as a writer is to keep showing up for the story.

Your Characters Deserve to Be Heard

Somewhere inside you, a character is waiting to be brought to life. They have a voice, a dream, a struggle—and only you can tell their story. Don’t let doubt silence them. Keep writing, keep refining, and let them breathe on the page.

Imagination is a Muscle—Use It!

Creativity isn’t something you have or don’t have—it’s something you train, like a muscle. The more you write, the stronger your imagination becomes. Let your mind wander, chase wild ideas, and explore impossible “what-ifs.” That’s where the magic happens.

Every Story Matters—Including Yours

The world is full of stories, but none of them are yours. Your voice, your perspective, your experiences—they are unique, and they deserve to be shared. Don’t compare your writing to someone else’s journey. Your words have the power to inspire, move, and change people. Keep writing.

Progress Over Perfection

Perfection is a myth, but progress is real. That messy first draft? It’s proof that you’re creating. The clunky sentences? They’re stepping stones to something beautiful. Writing isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about shaping raw words into something that sings.

Writing is a Gift—To Yourself and Others

When you write, you’re giving a gift—not just to readers, but to yourself. Writing lets you explore new worlds, heal old wounds, and bring dreams to life. It’s a way to process, to imagine, to escape. Cherish that gift. Use it. Never stop writing.

Someone Needs Your Story

Right now, there’s someone who needs the story only you can tell. Maybe they haven’t met your characters yet, but someday, they will. Maybe they don’t know they need your words, but when they read them, something will click. Don’t stop. Keep going. Your story matters.

Writing is the Bridge Between Dreaming and Doing

Every story starts as a spark—an idea, a fleeting thought, a “what if” moment. But writing turns that spark into something real. When you put words on the page, you’re building a bridge between imagination and reality, turning dreams into something tangible. Keep writing. Keep building. The world needs more dreamers who dare to do.

The Blank Page is Full of Possibilities

A blank page isn’t empty—it’s waiting. It holds the possibility of an adventure, a mystery, a love story, or a journey of self-discovery. It’s a fresh start, a new world ready to be explored. So, don’t be afraid of the blinking cursor or the empty notebook. Dive in. Write the story only you can tell.

Your Voice is the Magic Ingredient

There may be a thousand stories about love, loss, and triumph, but none have been told in your voice. That’s what makes your writing special. Your perspective, your words, your way of seeing the world—that’s the magic ingredient that makes your story worth reading. Don’t hold back. The world needs your voice.

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Angels in the Bush

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14 ESV

A missionary by the name of Brother Greenaway told of a time when he and an associate were out in the bush, far from civilization. They lost a tire on their jeep. It came off at the axle, breaking the lug nuts as it went. This incident occurred just as they were coming into a clearing in the jungle, literally in the middle of nowhere. Talk about a catastrophe, and at the worst possible time and place! There aren’t any car repair shops in the jungle, after all! 

The jeep coasted to a stop, and the men sat dumbfounded. Where could they go?  What could they possible do?  

When You Don't Know What to Do...

Maybe you’ve been there, at a point of crisis you could not control. Perhaps you froze up, unable to figure out what to do. Short of having a panic attack, it’s hard to know what to do in situations like this, right? But God always has a solution for His kids!

Suddenly, from out of the blue, ten scantily clad natives appeared, surrounding the jeep. The missionaries were terrified, to say the least. However, instead of injuring the missionaries, the natives lifted the jeep up off the ground and placed the wheel back on, making the vehicle drivable once again. Then they disappeared back into the bush.

Now, answer this question:

How could ten vicious natives, (who had never met these men), know to do that?  Brother Greenaway insists they were ten African angels sent in to rescue them! God supernaturally delivered these men. He freed them from danger, and made it possible for them to get back to the work that He had called them to.

Why do we think that God will do any less for us? He loves us just as much as he loved those men in that broken-down vehicle. 

You will face many crises. There will be frightening moments, for sure. But God will never leave you or forsake you. He supernaturally freed you through the person of Jesus Christ, who died the cross at Calvary to rescue you from peril. And He’s still in the intervention business today!

Challenging Thought: Has the Lord ever sent someone to rescue you when you least expected it?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Mind Chatter

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

“Pack your bags. Your best days are behind you.” 

Have you ever struggled with negative mind-chatter like the phrase above? I have. As I’ve tip-toed over the threshold into my golden years, I’ve questioned my usefulness—to my family, my church, and society at large. (Hello out there! Does anyone have use for an old gal like me, or is there an expiration date stamped on my forehead?) 

At times, self-doubts related to my age and health cause me to freeze up. I don’t make myself available to others as easily as I used to. I wonder if the younger ones will roll their eyes and whisper, “It’s that old lady again, trying to weasel her way in. Would someone please tell her that she’s no longer needed or wanted?”  

No doubt Elizabeth felt the same way. 

Though she had enjoyed many wonderful years of marriage to the priest Zechariah, Elizabeth was now well past her childbearing years. Oh, she was a woman of faith, a dedicated and godly woman who came from a priestly line, herself. But with no child to show from the union with Zechariah, she no doubt felt useless and ostracized by society. 

Elizabeth heard the whispers.

She saw the stares from the young mothers as they nursed their babes and tended to their little ones at play. 

I can’t even imagine the shock (Delight? Disbelief? Confusion?) the elderly Elizabeth must have felt when she received the news that she would deliver a son. Finally, after all of those years!

And what a son he was!

John the Baptist would prepare the way for the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Through his birth, Elizabeth received the promise of 1 Peter 5:6-7, even before the words were penned: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

If you struggle with negative mind chatter, take heart! God has so many wonderful days ahead for you. Study the Bible and see what He has to say about you. Then take His word over your own. Your best days are in front of you, friend!

Challenging Thought: You can take your thoughts captive. Make a list of steps you can take to rein them in next time they lead you down a dark path. 

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

The post Mind Chatter appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Sharper than a Sword

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

As a youngster, my daughter Megan struggled with learning disabilities. In 1st grade she was diagnosed with dyslexia, which made reading very difficult. In fact, nearly everything academic created a struggle, both internal and external. 

During her 5th grade year a missionary spoke at our church. He shared the story of his son, who, in the 11th grade, read on a mere 4th grade level. This was a source of frustration and embarrassment for his son. 

The family was leaving for the mission field for a year and this gentleman felt the Lord prompting him to use the Word of God to educate his son during that time. After all, he reminded us, the Word does promise that those who study it will obtain wisdom and knowledge. 

There’s Power in the Word!

The family went off to the mission field and the young man saturated himself in the Word. At the end of that year the family returned to the states. The son was placed back in public school for his senior year, where he miraculously tested on a 12th grade level in reading! Wow! 

When I heard this story, I got very excited. I decided to use the Word of God to teach my daughter. So, for that next year, that’s exactly what we did. We dove right in, studying one Bible story after another. 

That year was a terrific turning point in Megan’s life—both emotionally and from an academic standpoint. Not only did she learn to read, she obtained the spiritual strength and confidence to face the Goliaths in her life. 

The Word of God is powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. It can change your life, your situation, your mind, and even your heart. So, stay deeply rooted in the Word. Read it, study it, memorize it. . .even set it to music if you like. But get it in you and you will surely succeed. 

Challenging Thought: What steps can you take to spend more time in the Word of God?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

The post Sharper than a Sword appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Extraordinary Faith

One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock, the time set each day for the afternoon prayer service. There, at the Temple gate called Beautiful Gate, was a man who had been crippled all his life. Every day he was carried to this gate to beg for money from the people going into the Temple.

Acts 3:1-2 NCV

For years, a man who had been crippled from birth lay at the feet of many who walked by him and through the gates which led into the worship place called the temple. This man, name unknown, spent his entire life dependent upon those around him who would carry him daily upon his pallet and strategically set him at the same gate. There he would lie, begging for money to assist with mere survival. 

Tenacity

Many walked by with disregard, but he never gave up. This tenacious man had faith that someone would care enough to toss a few coins his way. Their donations made his lonely effort to survive a bit more tolerable. In his own way, he was faithful to his own cause.

Then, on a day like many others, the crippled man was met by two men of God—Christians named Peter and John. They, being filled with the Holy Spirit, gave to the man what he really needed, an encounter with the one true God. As they prayed, supernatural faith kicked in and the man was instantly healed. No longer crippled, he began walking, leaping, and praising God. 

Now, keep this fact in mind.

The man had never ever walked before in his entire life. Yet, he was able to effortlessly walk and jump after his healing, praising God like it was second nature for him to do so. He had probably never participated in a worship service, either. Perhaps he had never given much thought to having a personal relationship with God, let alone the Son of God. 

Yet, the once lame man shouted for joy and praised his Healer. Not knowing exactly who he was dealing with, God obviously gave him the faith to receive his healing. After receiving his miracle, the once lame man went joyfully with Peter and John into the temple to worship. It was a dream come true.

Perhaps you have experienced times in your life when God instilled a supernatural faith. Not just ordinary faith, but completely extraordinary faith. Sometimes we need that little bit of extra, don’t we?  How good of the Lord to offer extraordinary faith when we need it! 

Challenging Thought: Is your faith large or small? Remember, Jesus said it wouldn’t take much! With faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, miracles can happen! 

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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All Sufficiency

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

I homeschooled my four daughters for many of their growing-up years. But, I’ll confess, I really didn’t know what I was doing that first year. Oh, I gave it my best shot, but I was mostly winging it, and it showed. 

One particular day, I reached a breaking point. Nothing seemed to be working out and emotions were at the boiling point. I went into the guest bathroom and locked the door to escape. 

Ever Been There?

Outside, my 3rd grader pounded on the door and hollered, “Mom! I don’t know how to do this multiplication problem! I need help with my times tables!” On and on she went, carrying on with great passion about math, my least-favorite subject. 

I wanted to respond, but couldn’t seem to. Instead, I just froze up. Maybe I didn’t have what it took to be a homeschool mom. Perhaps the whole idea had been far-fetched. 

She eventually stopped pounding and hollering and I came out. And I’m here to testify that we made it through that year. And the next. And the next. Even though I didn’t have all I needed in the moment, God picked up the slack. Eventually, all four of my girls graduated and went on to live amazing lives as productive, bright adults. 

There will be plenty of opportunity to think you’re insufficient. And, honestly? You will be. We’re all in a never-ending learning curve, after all. But God always takes up the slack. 

He is our all-sufficient Father, ready to give us what we need when we need it. So, instead of worrying about your lack, begin to brag on His amazing sufficiency! 

Challenging Thought: What does the phrase “all sufficiency” mean to you?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

The post All Sufficiency appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

God, my Foundation

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 

Matthew 7:24-25 ESV

I have four daughters who got married within a four-year period. It was a blissful season, but talk about a hit to the pocketbook! This was especially true when it came to wedding cakes. They’re incredibly pricey, after all! 

After spending a fortune on my oldest daughter’s wedding cake, daughter #2 asked if I would make hers. I reluctantly said yes, though I knew little about the process. With the help of some friends I managed to pull it off. And by the time daughter #3 got married, she assumed I would make her cake. Same with daughter #4. 

Enter Janice, the Baker!

After all of those weddings, the community at large seemed to adopt me as their resident cake-baker. I found myself on many an occasion, making cakes for friends. Such was the case when my eldest daughter’s best friend got married. She asked if I would make her cake—a simple four-tiered one with black ribbon around the bottom of each tier. I agreed. It would be my gift to her. 

I struggled from the get-go. Nothing seemed to come together as planned. My mixer broke. The cakes didn’t turn out right. But I overcame, and eventually had four tiers of cake to deliver to the venue. I drove to the country club and pieced together the four tiers, adding the ribbon. Then I headed off to the wedding—in a different location. 

Imagine my shock, an hour later, when I arrived back at the country club to find the cake table empty.

Wait. . .What?

To my horror, I learned from one of the employees that the cake had fallen. I found it, in pieces, in the kitchen. Through my tears, I did my best to piece together the two remaining tiers, but they were a complete mess. The bride was understanding, but even now, all these years later, I feel a little nauseous every time I re-live the experience. 

My cake didn’t have a firm foundation. It wasn’t structured properly. I didn’t realize it at the time because I was still so new to the cake-making biz. But now I realize that it was an accident waiting to happen. 

Perhaps you can relate. If you build your life on a weak foundation, things will surely crumble. But if you build on the Rock, it will stand firm, no matter how many storms pass over. 

Challenging Thought: Have you built your house on the rock or the sand? Would you consider your spiritual foundation solid?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

The post God, my Foundation appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Listen Up!

Trust in the  Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV

My dad passed away several years ago, but his memory lives on in our minds. He was an amazing man—an entrepreneur, an inventor, a songwriter, and tenacious in every way. 

That stubbornness could be a good thing, (in business, for example), but it also got him in trouble a time or two. 

When my children were young, my dad rented an RV (a Winnebago) to take us on a family vacation. It was a fun and unique thing to do, and we loved it. We drove from Houston to New Braunfels, Texas, where we planned to spend time tubing on the river. 

Only, when we arrived at the resort, something terrible happened. It started with a disagreement between those of us sitting in the front of the R.V. There was a metal barricade and my dad was convinced the R.V. would fit under it. The rest of us were sure he wouldn’t. 

He was determined to prove us wrong, so under the metal barricade we went. And when the loud “Bang!” sounded, we all groaned in unison. 

Oops!

Dad had forgotten about the A.C. unit on top of the Winnebago. He hit that A.C. with such force that it knocked it off! 

He was proven wrong that day, and paid a heavy price. The R.V. spent the next three days in the shop while we floated on the river. And the cost of getting it fixed put quite a dent in my dad’s pocketbook. 

I’d like to think he learned his lesson from that experience, but I don’t really know for sure. When you’re stubborn like that, those lessons are a little tougher to absorb. 

What about you? Would folks say you’re the stubborn sort? Are there times when you’re convinced you’re right. . .only to discover you’re not? 

God wants us to humble ourselves and listen closely—to His voice and to the voices of the godly mentors He has placed around us. They are there for our protection and our good. 

Set that stubbornness aside, friend. It’s time to listen up!

Challenging Thought: Have you ever stubbornly refused to listen to God’s direction? How did that work out for you?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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That Still, Small Voice

Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

2 Peter 2:9 ESV

My oldest daughter, Randi, called me late one night to say that she was contemplating a trip to the emergency room. When I asked about her symptoms she explained that she had an “unusual sensation” in her abdomen. 

“Not exactly pain,” she said. “More of a throbbing sensation.” 

Suspecting a possible abdominal aortic aneurysm—which presents with similar symptoms—we made the mutual decision that she should go right in. She told me that she felt a little silly, since she wasn’t actually doubled over in pain. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with her body. 

Randi spent the night in the E.R. undergoing tests and was surprised to learn that it wasn’t an aneurysm at all. Instead, doctors discovered a mass on the outside of her small intestine, a very rare mesenteric lymphangioma, wrapped in arteries, causing the pulsation. 

Several weeks later, Randi underwent surgery to have the mass removed. It turned out to be larger than expected, and made for a somewhat complicated surgery that required a resection of the small intestine. After sending the mass to pathology, it was proven to be benign, praise the Lord! 

The Goodness of God

During her recovery, we had a long talk about the goodness of God. Had she not felt that “strange sensation” in her abdomen, she would never have gone in to the hospital. Left untreated, the mass could have grown quite large, and likely would have turned malignant. Her “sense” that something was “off” probably saved her life. 

What the enemy meant for evil in my daughter’s life, God used for good. And she has been so quick to give him all of the praise! I’m forever thankful that she heard that little whisper from the Lord and used it as a catalyst to see a doctor. Hearing His voice, and responding in obedience, spared her. 

He still speaks today. In fact, if you lean in close, He might be whispering something in your ear right now! If so, will you obey? 

Challenging Thought: When you lean in close, can you hear God’s voice? What’s something specific He has spoken to your heart recently?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Queen of the Waves Tea Party

(high tea ideas)

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