Edie Melson's Blog, page 178

A Writer’s Loss of Words

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam
As writers, we have an affinity for words. Whether written, or even spoken, we are most often so full of words itching to be written or shared in some way we don’t have enough time each day to get them recorded or said. 
Until we aren’t found with any words left. 
This year has brought many challenges to test our ability to write or speak. We’ve watched as people we love have passed. Someone we love has lost a loved one. Others have lost their health and vitality, a job, or all of their savings. A loss has happened and we’ve seen far too much this year.
Some of us have lost our words, which would have come easily. Now, we don’t have them. 
There are no right words. There are no wrong words. There just aren’t any words. 
But we writers love words. We’re at a frustrating time of loss. Where do we go to find the words that normally flow? To the Word. To the One who gave us the talent and gifting to begin with. We pour out our grieving heart. We ask Him to refill the words we’re at a loss for. In His timing, he will give us words He wants written. Often, overflowing.
And then we write them. 
Those words may not be for anyone in particular—they may only be for us. Or perhaps they are placed in our hearts to then write for someone God has in mind to read them at a later date. We don’t know. We don’t ask. We sit and write. 
And continue to trust in the One who is the giver of gifts—and words. 
Until the time when words return to us naturally, as writers, we continue to dig into the best book ever written inspired by the One who knows exactly what words we each need to hear. 
Have you been at a loss for words this year? Have you dug into the Word of God lately and asked the Lord for the refilling?
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You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 37 years, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen, and wrapped around the paw of a little dog named Hattie. Born and raised in Ohio, her family now resides in South Carolina. She is the President of Word Weavers Upstate SC, member of ACFW and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. She’s the Blog Editor for Word Weavers International. A Conference Assistant for Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. A monthly contributor for The Write Conversation. A contributor in the 2018 Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also a regular contributor to several other blogs. 
Connect with Tammy: Blog: HTTP://WWW.TAMMYKARASEK.COM Email: tickledpinktammy@gmail.com

Writing From a Grieving Heart

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme
That beautiful time of year is upon us. Christmas. The holiday we all love. For Christians, Christmas is more than presents, gathering with family, and traditions that go back many years. It’s the celebration of the greatest Gift—our Savior Christ the Lord. 
While the overwhelming sacredness of God’s act of love is ever before us, Christmas is also a time of remembrance of Christmas past. A time when we look back at tender moments we shared with those we love. It’s also a time of profound sadness when their seat at the table is empty. And that can affect our writing.
Some are experiencing the sadness of fresh grief, some the anniversary of the death of a loved one, or, perhaps, the impending loss of a family member or friend. In addition, Covid has drastically reduced or eliminated our gathering. Instead of the comfort of others, our grief may be compounded by loneliness and despair. 
What are we to do with this half empty fragment of ourselves that lives on when one who was part of us is suddenly gone? Their absence becomes a chilling reminder that life is not the same. We are not the same. And we wonder, Who am I? What am I to become? What can I give the world apart from them?
For the writer, these emotions can paralyze our writing. As I commemorate the first year anniversary of my husband’s passing, work on my novel has temporarily shut down. My mind instead unlocks the sorrowful memories of the weeks and days leading up to his passing. The holidays encroach upon my grief as memories of past Christmases parade before me.
Grief may also intensify when we lose that which has grounded us and made our world secure. Covid restrictions have transformed our very existence. We are denied touch and fellowship as we carefully distance ourselves from others. Being geographically apart from family and loved ones often brings isolation as travel is denied us. Live streaming of many of our churches has sometimes prevented us from being aware of the needs of the body of Christ. We often suffer in silence, mourning the very presence of those who help feed our souls. Human to human contact is limited and loneliness ensnares us.
As we attempt to rebuild our lives, we must allow ourselves all the time it takes to grieve. Journaling allows us to pour out our true feelings and receive God’s perspective. God will heal your broken heart in time. Your departed loved one will always be a part of you—a beautiful part that God sent to weave into the beauty that you are. Embrace who you were together. Embrace who you are now. Embrace who you will become.
Find someone you can talk to. Be it a family member, friend, or grief counselor. It is essential that you release your emotions. Just talking it out will bring some release of anxious thoughts. You are not alone. You will get through this, but allow yourself to move through grief at your own pace. 
I offer a portion of My Heart Cries Out, by Paul David Tripp, which was sent to me recently by a dear friend.
You do not need to be nervous about whether God really has the power, whether He really knows your need, whether your petition has really reached His ear.God has guaranteed all this. This should not and need not be your worry.The Gospel teaches us everything we need not worry about.We need not worry about whether we shall be saved.We need not worry about whether we gain peace.We need not worry about knowing what is coming, About whether some way out of this utterly hopeless looking political situation will be found.None of this is our concern; All has been taken care of ever since it pleased God to become our brother in Jesus Christ . . . suffering, dying, and rising again.
From now to the end of days this Jesus Christ wills to be with us in our little ship as the waves run high. It is simply not our concern whether we survive the waves and reach the Last Day. This is all taken care of by Him who slumbers in our ship and in whose hand the ocean is but a quiet pool.
The Lord is faithful and is very present, whether we feel His presence or not. We will write again. In time, we will begin to heal. Our words will have new meaning because part of our soul now abides in eternity. 
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Emme Gannon is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to write stories that stir the heart. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, several anthologies, and numerous newsletters. She just completed her first novel.

The Value of Poetry

by Crystal Bowman
At a writers’ conference several years ago, I sat in a room with a handful of aspiring poets, eager to share the words they had collected from the depths of their souls. As I facilitated this critique group, I was impressed with the variety of themes the poets presented. Some of the poems were serious and metaphoric, while others were inspiring or humorous. Though the poems varied, the poets all had one thing in common—they wanted to make their poetry available to readers. 
After the poets shared their words, I informed them of the harsh reality that most of them already knew—most publishing companies do not publish poetry because it simply doesn’t sell. But just because poetry is not in demand with publishers, that doesn’t mean it can’t find a home. Somewhere between the bookstore shelves and the wastebasket, there is a place for good poetry. 
What is poetry?
Poetry is the creative expression of words from the heart, soul, and mind of the poet. These words may emerge from a painful loss, or the joy of new life. They may chronicle the journey of living with cancer or express the fear of monsters in the closet. Poetry can be praises, prayers, or laments. Poetry can be therapeutic for the writer, but it can also touch the lives of readers. Poetry gives words to emotions that others experience but may not be able to express. 
Share your poetry with friends and family.
Long before I was a published author, my poetry was read by hundreds of people. For many years I penned Christmas poems to include in my Christmas greetings. These poems were not about Aunt Betty’s apple pie or Fido’s rhinestone dog collar (you know what I mean). Rather, they celebrated the wonder and miracle of Christmas when the Word became flesh and lived among us. 
Sometimes my poems were given as birthday, wedding, or anniversary gifts. Friends and relatives began asking me to write poems for special occasions (free of course), and I was happy to oblige.
If you have children or grandchildren, you can write poems for them. Some of my poems are preserved in my children’s baby books, and I am now writing them for my grandkids.
Write poems for church, school, e-newsletters or blogs.
Back in the day when printed newsletters existed, I wrote seasonal poems for a women’s newsletter our church published four times a year. A woman once shared that she would cut out my poems and put them on her refrigerator. A humous poem I wrote about trying to get to Bible study on time was read at a spring brunch with more than 300 women. 
Poems are great fillers for newsletters, and even though many are now e-newsletters, they still have spaces to fill. If you are a blogger for yourself or others, a seasonal or themed poem is often a refreshing change from the 500-word post. Just be sure the content is helpful or encouraging to your reading audience. 
Submit your poetry to online or print magazines.
Many magazines (especially children’s magazines) accept poetry submissions. But do your homework and be sure to follow the writers’ guidelines to increase the chances of your poem being accepted. Study the magazine before you submit to become familiar with its contents. If your poem gets published in a magazine, the readership is far greater than if it is published in a book. I contribute to Clubhouse Jr Magazine which reaches 50,000 households. 
Obey
If God has gifted you to write poetry, then be obedient and write it. God can use your words to bless others in ways you cannot imagine, even if they end up on a refrigerator door.
A Poet’s Words
A poet’s words can pierce your soul and bring a smile or tear. A poet’s words can offer peace, comfort, hope, and cheer.A poet’s words can inspire you, or heal a wounded heart.A poet’s words can draw friends near when they are far apart.A poet’s words can teach the world to love and give and care.So thank the Lord for poets, and for the words they share. 
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Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and four nonfiction books for women. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. She loves going to schools to teach kids about poetry. She also speaks at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and teaches workshops at writers’ conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys going for walks, working out at the gym, and eating ice cream. She and her husband live in Michigan and have seven huggable grandkids. 
WWW.CRYSTALBOWMAN.COMWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTAL.BOWMANWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTALJBOWMANWWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CRYSTALBOWMANAUTHOR

What Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer Taught Me About Writing

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I love all the Christmas specials that come around every year during the holidays, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has always been one of my favorites. I identify with his lack of self-confidence, his heart for his friends and especially his gumption when Santa called on him to step up and guide the sleigh that night. 

And it occurs to me that, as writers, there are a lot of valuable lessons in this holiday tale. 
What Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer Taught Me About Writing:1. We’re all born with a special gift. 

2. At some point we all feel like that special gift is a curse.

3. Hiding who we really are brings out the bullies and naysayers.

4. We all need time to mature into our gift.

5. Trying to live up to the image of who others think we should be won’t bring anything but trouble and heartache.

6. True friends will see beyond our differences and embrace the essence of who we are.

7. We’re given that special gift for a reason and a purpose.

8. Running away from who we are doesn’t ever solve anything.

9. There will come a time when you have to decide to work within your gift, not around it.

And the best lesson of all . . . 

10. Being who God meant you to be will bless others as much as you.
How about you? Care to share something you’ve learned from an unlikely source? Be sure to share your thoughts below in the comments section.
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

The Writer’s Shield of Faith

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28
The door creaked, and another ounce of hope leaked from my heart.
“I’ll never get this done. Too much editing. I’m so tired.”
The door creaked longer the second time.
“Should I just stop?”
Another creak started, then stopped, as I remembered something precious—the moment God gave me the idea to write this book. I felt so excited, filled with anticipation, like pure joy was seeping down to the bottom of my soul. 
“There’s no way I can stop now.”
Slam. The door jamb shook a little, and I heard the door lock.
“Above all, taking the shield of faithwith which you will be able to quenchall the fiery darts of the wicked one.”(Ephesians 6:16 NKJV)
Did you know that the root word for “shield” in this verse, is “door”? When we cling to our faith in God, it’s like a door slams shut in the face of doubt, fear, and anxiety. Holding up our shield of faith against our spiritual enemy’s fiery arrows acts like a closed door so he can’t damage what God is building. 
And God is building something amazing. First within us. As we work with Him to understand Scripture and how life with Him works, we’re changed from the inside out. Then He works with us to craft ideas, stories, and encouragement to share the truth He has given us. 
God doesn’t just build within us, but within our audience too. He uses the message He has given us to build something beautiful within those who read it, such as renewed hope, fresh grace, or strengthening love. God can use our writing to make a difference. Don’t let any spiritual enemy thwart what God is doing. 
Nehemiah understood the power of faith and the power of God. As a leader of God’s people in the Old Testament, he told the enemies of the Jews that God was the reason His people would continue to build the wall around Jerusalem. No matter how their enemies taunted them, the Jews would keep building. This is what he told their enemies. 
“So I answered them, and said to them,‘The God of heaven Himself will prosper us;therefore we His servants will arise and build,but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.’”(Nehemiah 2:20 NKJV)
Fear, you have no right here. No place to call home in my heart.
Doubt, you don’t belong here. God will lead me, and I will stay close to Him so I know what to write and how. 
Anxiety, I will trust God for how to publish this. In His way. In His timing. 
If God has called us to write, He will help us do it. We are His servants, and the enemy has no place—no privilege or right—to mess with us and win. Keep building, writer friend. Keep writing. 
The next time you’re tempted to give up on your writing or to give in to some fears or doubts, remember your faith in God and what He has called you to. Slam the door on those spiritual enemies. God has something great in mind. It’s great because He has a purpose for your writing, and He may use your writing to strengthen someone else’s faith so they say no to opposition and temptation. 
How quickly do you give your spiritual enemies no open door to hinder your writing?
What helps you to persevere and finish a project with God’s help? We would love to hear about it in the comments. Join the conversation! 
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Katy Kauffman finds herself writing about life’s spiritual battles more than anything else. As an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies, she has the privilege of working with writers and the Lighthouse team to create Bible study compilations and magazine issues. She recently started a monthly newsletter for writers called The Lighthouse Connection, and she contributes to three blogs on writing. Connect with Katy at her blog, Winning the Victory, and on Facebook and Twitter.

4 Ways to Support Your Writing Friends

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel
As this year draws to a close, I find myself so incredibly grateful for how my fellow writers have come alongside me during tumultuous times – to comfort, encourage, and challenge. 
I hope you are part of a community of fellow writers – people who quite literally know what your life is like. No matter where each of us is on this writing journey, we have something to offer, and we are also in dire need of what others have to give us as well.
Here are 4 Ways I Support My Writing Friends:
1. PRAYPrayer is first because prayer is perhaps our most important gift. While we do not know all the specific details of any one person’s prayer needs, we can always lift them up for wisdom, guidance, open doors, creativity, writing flow, and discernment. If you know of someone shopping a proposal, meeting a deadline, launching a book, or struggling with writer’s block, be sure and intercede on their behalf. 
2. PROVIDEAsk how you can help in their lives. Be part of a brainstorming or storyboarding session with them; offer your vacation home for a writing retreat; look over their book proposal and give feedback; recommend a colleague who might open doors for them; forward articles you have read on their topic or help with research. Drop off a care package of coffee and treats for those deadline days. Be Jesus “with skin on.
3. PROMOTEHow easy is it to “share” a post by a fellow writer of their weekly blog, guest podcast, or exciting announcement of an upcoming book? Join their launch team and do all the things. Every week I promote another author on #FriendshipFriday and give a shout out on all my socials about their new book. The most important way to encourage a friend with a newly released book is to post online reviews – those are gold.
4. PURCHASEMany writers receive arcs (advanced review copies) or influencer books which provide a great way to review and share the work of our friends. But going one step further – actually purchasing copies of her book and gifting them – is the highest praise of all. Pre-orders are also especially important in the publishing industry because they boost the first day sales of a new book. If you have funds to do such a thing, this is a great way to support your colleagues. 
While we obviously cannot pray, provide, promote and purchase for every single writer we know, we can most certainly do one of those things for several people we have met at various conferences and groups. I have veteran authors who are my best friends, but I also try to do those things for many, many first-time authors. So many people have encouraged me during my entire writing career, and I want to do the same.
Pick one writer you know. Pick one of the four ideas above. Start today. Then do another again tomorrow, next week and every week into 2021. I will be cheering you on!
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Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include Soul Strong, Life-Giving Choices, Dwelling Places, and Ordinary Graces. Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for ‘The Write Conversation.’ 
Whether coaching writers and speakers, pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. As a communications teacher, she has served on the faculty of Speak Up Conference, Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Florida Christian Writers Conference, Asheville Christian Writers Conference and co-directs the annual spiritual retreat reNEW – retreat for New England Writing & Speaking. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, McDowell shares words from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at WWW.LUCINDASECRESTMCDOWELL.COM

Speaking Opportunities for Authors in December

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1
Speaking opportunities for authors abound in December. You may raise your brows in disbelief. After all, live events are minimal with strict policies for masks, social distancing, and sanitizing measures. Let’s look at the reasons why you can still speak in December.
First, speaking opportunities for authors abound in free teleconference calls.
My friend Sandra holds free teleconference calls monthly to help adults cope with stress and anxiety from the uncertainties of the pandemic. She shares tips from her books and blogposts. She also draws a name on each call for someone to win a free thirty-minute session with her. 
The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) periodically sends a request for professional AWSA members to speak on their Protégée Power Call, a live training phone call. Many who read or write for the Write Conversation belong to AWSA and have done so including me. 
My colleague Kristi scheduled free personal appointments with her active readers to thank them for their support and to inform them about her work in progress. They’ve given her valuable input about what they would like in that next book. 
Second, speaking opportunities abound through online platforms. 
My aunt and uncle live in a senior residential home. My schedule includes a weekly call to them on FaceTime. I talk to them about my latest writing project and my new page on Facebook for divorced Christian women. They enjoy Facebook, check each update, and share it with extended family and friends.
People who don’t believe in Jesus Christ or have turned away because of past hurts cross my path through online platforms. I ask God for open doors not to preach to them, but to let them know how God helped me get through my past hurts. 
I informed my relatives about a radio interview on the choice to move forward after multiple losses in my life. One of my cousins received a phone call from a widower. She told him about the radio interview. He listened to it and called her back.
He said, “She had a lot of helpful things to say about grief.” 
My cousin then directed him to my YouTube channel to watch my other interviews on cancer, loss, and forgiveness. 
Third, speaking opportunities occur while waiting in line. 
If you have a published book, one in progress, or a blog, you can speak about it to the people standing in line next to you. One lady at the grocery store said, “I don’t have time to waste in line. I need to get home to do the laundry and start dinner.”
With a nod, I said, “I understand. I need to get home and write another chapter for my book on divorce.”
“Is it a radical feminist approach or a male basher?”
“Neither. My story tells how God helped me move forward and experience freedom, peace, and joy, even during the holidays.”
I carry bookmarks and business cards in my purse. They list my most requested speaking topics, my four published books, and contact information. 
Consider asking God to position you in line next to someone who needs a word of encouragement.
In summary, speaking opportunities for authors abound in December:In free teleconference useThrough online platforms While waiting in lineAsk God which of these speaking opportunities you can make better use of or for other creative ways to share what God has done for you in your writing endeavors. 
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Yvonne’s background as a licensed professional counselor brings a unique perspective into the heart of women. She’s a speaking and writing coach and the owner of Moving from Broken to Beautiful®, LLC. She belongs to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the Christian Authors Network, the National Speakers Association, and Toastmasters International.
She celebrates life at the beach, where she walks, builds sand castles, blows bubbles, and dances.

Christmas Silence

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
The message disturbed her.
Had her eyes deceived her, or had an angel just told her she would birth the long-awaited Messiah? But wait! She wasn’t married, although she did have a fiancé. She shivered at the thought of the ridicule and possible religious consequences ahead. How would it look when her pregnancy became obvious to others? What would they say? Would she have to leave town? The questions competed with her other thoughts. 
And Joseph. What would he think? That she had been unfaithful to him even before they were married. Would he shelve the wedding? Give her a dreaded certificate of divorce? Fortunately, he told her an angel had also appeared to him and explained God’s plan. At first, he listened with reluctance, but ultimately he accepted her destiny—and his. 
Then came the news that the Roman emperor had issued a registration decree for tax and military purposes. Though her people weren’t required to serve in the Roman army, they were taxed mercilessly. The order required everyone to return to their hometown. As descendants of King David, she and Joseph would have to make an arduous 80-mile trip to Bethlehem. At least, they wouldn’t be alone. Perhaps, they could even join a caravan to make better time. 
The months had passed quickly since the angel’s announcement, and the day of her son’s birth was nigh at hand. Neither straddling a donkey, riding a cart, nor walking barefoot over the rocky path leading to Bethlehem interested her in the least. But she had no choice. 
Before they pierced the town gates, she and Joseph saw thousands of people milling about, pushing and shoving as they waited to be registered. Smoke circled the tiny village and wafted over the surrounding hillsides. This conglomeration of people would never be listed in one day. She and Joseph would have to find lodging.
Every inn was full. Even those accepting strangers into their homes had no room. Place after place, they received the same answer, “We’re full.” Finally, one innkeeper—after he had repeated the same line—told them of a nearby manger where they might find lodging. 
Mary’s birth pains intensified. They had to find a place soon. As Mary approached the cave’s entrance, the smells repulsed her. What little she could grasp in the dark surroundings exposed cow and donkey dung sprinkled about and mixed with hay. In the corner—the only place to lay her child—a small ledge sliced into the stone wall. 
Mary knew the time had arrived. She slouched in the foul-smelling hay, and, although the crowd shouted and pounded about on the outside, she delivered her firstborn child in Christmas silence. “She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (Luke 2:7 NLT). None were the wiser that she had birthed the long-awaited Messiah. His gentle sighs and puckering lips were all she and Joseph perceived. 
Beginning with Thanksgiving and extending until Christmas Day, the holiday season can tax the best of us. I’ve experienced years when I dreaded the thought of December. Not because I didn’t enjoy celebrating the birth of the Savior but because I knew almost every evening would be encumbered with activities. A Sunday School party. A churchwide party. A work party. The cantata. Christmas caroling. Buying presents for everyone my wife and I thought might buy one for us. 
By the time Christmas Eve arrived, my wallet was busted and my body drained. I welcomed Christmas Day…but not so I could celebrate my Savior’s birth. Rather, so I could celebrate the end of the hustle and bustle. Finally, I could rest. Catch my breath. See family. Some of whom I hadn’t seen since the previous Christmas. 
As we crowded around the presents in our traditional circle, the children’s excitement and the adult’s conversations created noise, yet there was a hidden silence I hadn’t experienced during the entire month. The silence of peace. Peace because the busyness was over, and peace because the Prince of Peace had been born.
This year, I seek Christmas silence. Not deliverance from all the noise associated with the season’s celebration, but silence in my heart that comes from knowing all is right with the world because the Savior is in control. Among the noises of our world and in my life—COVID among them—the Savior whispers, “Peace be still.”
TWEETABLE Christmas Silence, encouragement from Martin Wiles, @LinesFromGod on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Martin Wiles is the founder of Love Lines from God (www.lovelinesfromgod.com) and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions, Senior Editor for Inspire a Fire, and Proof Editor for Courier Publishing. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Busy World, released in December 2019. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.

Finding Hope When Our Expectations are Disrupted

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt
We’re all adjusting our expectations for Christmas this year, aren’t we? 
With an ongoing pandemic, we’ll experience a “socially distant” holiday season, whatever that looks like in our states, our towns, our homes.
This certainly isn’t the Christmas we imagined months ago as we packed away all the fa-la-la-la-la, while treasuring the newly-made memories at the beginning of 2020.
But what about that first Christmas all those hundreds of years ago? Now there’s a story that required adjusting expectations.
Mary and Joseph were betrothed, but their joy was disrupted by her unexpected pregnancy. The young couple accepted this miracle, only then to be required to journey to Bethlehem for a census. Not what any young, pregnant woman wants to do: travel by donkey to another town along with hundreds of other people.
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem – at last! – things only got worse. No room in the inn. In any inn. The kindness of a stranger provided them shelter with common farm animals.
And there she gave birth to their son.
Certainly not how they expected the miracle to occur.
God’s promised Savior was birthed in the midst of disappointment and inconvenience and filth. 
Outside, people’s normal lives were interrupted by the census, separating them from family and friends. Everyone was oblivious to a baby’s birth in a stable behind an inn – and how that affected them for all eternity.
Perhaps the circumstances we’re facing today can help us better understand that first Christmas, with all its unexpected disruptions, demands, and hardships. Let’s not forget, the miracle still holds true for us today, too.
May we cling ever tighter to hope as we release our hold on our usual expectations for holidays. What’s bringing you hope as 2020 comes to a close? 
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Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releasers May 2020. Other books in the women’s fiction series include Things I Never Told You, which won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget. Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.

For Writers Trudging Through the Woods

by Joshua Master @JoshuaJMasters
My greatest Christmas memory came when I was12 years old. I can’t tell you what I got for presents that year. I don’t remember what we had for Christmas dinner or what ornaments we put on the tree. The reason that specific Christmas means so much to me is that I regard it as our first genuine family Christmas. Because that twelfth year was the one I met the man I call “Dad.” 
I can tell you the exact instant I knew our lives had changed—it was the moment we left to get a Christmas tree. I never really knew where our tree came from. It always just appeared in our house and then we would decorate it, but that year was different. When my mom suggested it was time to go buy a tree, this man who would choose to make me his child said, “Families should go cut down a Christmas tree together.” 
So, we bundled up and headed into the woods—not a tree lot, but the woods. There were no trails. No paths. The snow was unbearably deep, and I could barely move. I was cold and tired. I think we looked at a million trees. When we finally found one that would look perfect in our apartment, we brought it down, each taking a turn with the saw. Then we kids, my brothers and I, had to help pull it out of the forest, making the snowy trek back even more difficult than the adventure into the woods. 
For some of us today, our lives and our writing feel like we’re trudging through the forest. The snow seems deep, the journey long, and the wind bites bitterly at our emotions. And as the expectations of the holidays bear down on us, our writing can suffer—sometimes it’s just an issue of time. But for some of us, we walk through this season with the memories of past hurts and the icy sting of separation from loved ones.
Let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like everyone else lives in the joyous hope of Christmas while no one sees how far we are from the clearing. Our boots are heavy as we trudge through chapters we can’t concentrate on, words we can’t find, and important life events that keep us distracted. It can seem like others are gazing with wonder upon idyllic drifts of snow while we stare blankly at foreboding drafts of woe. Trudge. Trudge. Trudge.
The question is this:
Are you trudging alone or are you trudging with family? 
Because that difficult Christmas tree hunt, that glorious burden of labored steps, changed my life and perspective forever. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great Christmas every year. I was always happy, had the gifts I wanted under the tree, and we always had great food. In fact, I didn’t realize something was missing until this father-figure I didn’t know I needed walked into our lives. 
Maybe you're trudging through your writing or through a season of life alone right now. And maybe you don’t realize something is missing because you never had it. Look for the people that want to encourage you.In your writing.In your faith.In your sorrow.In your life.Because if you’re fighting through your journey with a family of people who love you, the things that seem difficult now can become the most important and defining moments in your life. They can become memories you cherish instead of moments you regret. That’s what the Christian writing community we’re a part of is all about. It’s about having a family of believers around us that turn our difficult journeys into opportunities to become stronger.
You may not meet your deadline this month. You may not write the best article of your career, but that doesn’t mean fruit can’t grow out of this winter season. Reach out to others. Trudge together in the heavy banks of pen and life. 
We were created to journey together, but there’s an even greater gift at Christmas for those who are slogging through life’s dark, timbered path. 
I thought my first eleven Christmases were great. I didn’t know what I was missing until I had a dad who wanted to spend all his time with me. Christmas is not just about our brothers and sisters in Christ, but about recognizing no matter what’s happened in our past or how it’s affecting our writing now, we have a Father who not only comes into the forest with us—but gave everything to call us His children (1 John 3:1) and bring us out of the forest safely. 
We don’t have to walk through the woods alone. Our Dad will walk with us now.
“… the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (Isaiah 7:14 NLT).
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Joshua J. Masters is a pastor, author, and speaker. He’s been featured on CBN Television, HIS Radio, and the Light Radio Network. Josh is the author of AMERICAN PSALMS: PRAYERS FOR THE CHRISTIAN PATRIOT and is a contributing author for Feed Your Soul, Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and One Christian Voice. Josh has also worked as AN ACTOR AND CREW MEMBER in the film industry (SAG/AFTRA) and continues to have a passion for film. He lives with his wife, Gina, and Franklin the Pup outside Greenville, South Carolina where he serves as a speaking and care pastor.
Josh would love to connect with you on his website, WWW.JOSHUAJMASTERS.COM or engage with you on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or GOODREADS.