Faith
Pain is a Gift? Suffering With Christ
“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the…
The Gift of Writing
Once again it is the season for giving, a good time to reflect on those gifts that don’t come with ribbons and receipts. The New Testament contains several lists and explanations of the various spiritual gifts, which the Holy Spirit distributes to each and every believer in Christ. Although the gift of writing isn’t on…
Writing Through the Pain to Comfort Others
by Matt Patterson Some 20 years ago, I sat down at my desk in a noisy newsroom and began to bang out my weekly newspaper column for a small daily in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I covered the courts and crime beat for The Daily Mining Gazette, but I tried my very best to distance those…
Journey to the Center of God’s Will
Maybe you’re like me. Someone who’s been struggling to find God’s will. Someone who’s spent your life on a divine treasure hunt, chasing after God’s will like the elusive Holy Grail, knowing that when you finally take hold of it, all will be well in the universe or at least your life. But what if…
Words of Power
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. James 3:9-10 Words are powerful. Like a bit or a rudder, they can turn large objects by one small uttering, one small sentence. As…
Constant Dialogue
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17(KJV) Dialogue is a vital part of novels. Writers can certainly add depth to characters through their actions, but the heart of the character is revealed through the words he or she speaks. At the same time, a novel with only dialogue would be exhausting. The silence within scenes, when…
Thoughts on Waiting
If you have been writing for any length of time, then you already know about the challenges of waiting. “Thanks for sending me your poem! I’ll try to read it next week.” “I’m sorry I didn’t get a change to look at your story yet.” “If you haven’t heard from us in 60 days, consider…
Audience of One
I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me all who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for…
You Are Not Insignificant!
It happens every ACFW conference. The excitement and utter terror of stepping into the hotel, perusing the lobby while people huddle in groups exchanging hugs and greetings, and trying to figure out where they fit in. Others like me, feeling out of place. Thankfully, this year when I arrived at ACFW I had a scheduled…
Writing for God’s Glory vs. Writing for Publication
Like many writers in the early stages of their careers, I can be found spending some portion of most workdays soaking in advice and information from websites like this one. As I gather perspectives, dichotomies from which I’m sure you know well. The passion of art versus the realities of business. Writing what’s in your…