One of the quickest ways to spot a new writer is when the point of view starts hopping around like a man who stepped on a tack.

As a nonfiction writer, I'm still sharpening my skills on the rules of point of view.

I desire to write my best for the Lord, and for my readers. I know you do too.

That's why understanding third-person point of view matters.

In third-person POV, the narrator talks about the character as he, she, they, or by the character's name.

For example:

• First person: I grip the steering wheel and pray.

• Third person: Sarah grips the steering wheel and prays.

Or:

• First person: I stare at the rejection letter and rip it in two. “Lord, I know you're not finished with my story.”

• Third person: David stares at the rejection letter. His shoulders slump, but deep down he knows God isn't finished writing his story.

See the difference? In first person, I am living the story. In third person, I'm watching David live it.

Third-person writing can reveal a character's thoughts, but how it does so depends on the type of third-person point of view.

Third-person limited stays inside one character's perspective.

David stared at the rejection letter. Maybe I'm not good enough after all, he thought.

David stared at the rejection letter. He wondered if he was good enough.

David stared at the rejection letter. Surely this couldn't be the end. God had brought him too far to abandon him now.

The narrator tells the reader what David is thinking, but only David's thoughts.

Third-person omniscient allows the narrator to know everyone's thoughts.

David feared he would never publish another book. Across the room, his wife smiled because she knew an acceptance email had already arrived.

The narrator reveals both David's and his wife's thoughts.

For most modern fiction, third-person limited is the preferred approach because it keeps readers closely connected to one character.

It's also easier to avoid "head hopping," where the narrative jumps from one person's thoughts to another's within the same scene.

A simple way to remember it is this:

First person: I think...

Third person limited: He thought, or He wondered.

Third person omniscient: The narrator knows what everyone thinks.

I'm learning to write so my reader always knows where they are, whose story they're following, and a GPS or a bottle of aspirin isn't necessary to figure it out.😄

What about you? What part of third person point of view confuses you?

Join the conversation.

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Rooted and Established in Agapē

I prayed Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 almost every day. I wasn't looking for more Bible knowledge. I desperately needed to know God's love.

I also prayed it because there was someone I refused to love. Everything in me wanted to hold on to the hurt. After all, the person who was suppose to love and protect me turned me into his private punching bag. Don't I deserve to hold on to the anger?

But, I wanted to obey God more than I wanted to be right.

Paul prays that we would be "rooted and established in love" (Ephesians 3:17). The word love is the Greek word agapē—God's self-giving, sacrificial, covenant love. Like a tree with deep roots and a building on a firm foundation, our lives become secure when they are anchored in Christ's love.

As I prayed this passage, God changed my heart. I realized I couldn't produce agapē on my own. I first had to receive it.

Romans 5:5 “He has poured his Love into our heart through the Holy Spirit.”

The deeper my roots grew in His love, the easier it became to extend that love to the person I never thought I could forgive.

I prayed:

"Father, root me deeply in Your agapē. Establish my life on the foundation of Christ's love. Help me grasp how wide, long, high, and deep Your love is, and let that love flow through me to others."

God didn't change my circumstances overnight. He changed my attitude. That's what happens when we become rooted and established in agapē. It's a lesson I'm still learning.

Is there someone in your life you refuse to love because of bitterness or unforgivness?

Praying Ephesians 3:17-20 will change you. I'm living proof of that.

Next Monday we begin the acrostic

L.O.V.E.

Pray , you join me as we learn to live LOVE out loud.

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Here are seven of the biggest point-of-view (POV) mistakes writers make: Including me 😬

I'll dive deeper into these over the next few weeks.

1. Head-hopping – Jumping from one character's thoughts to another's within the same scene without a clear transition. This confuses readers and weakens emotional connection.

2. Choosing the wrong POV – A story told in first person, third-person limited, or omniscient should serve the story. Picking the wrong perspective can distance readers from the characters.

3. Inconsistent POV – Starting in one character's perspective and revealing information that character couldn't know.

4. Telling instead of showing – Instead of experiencing the world through the viewpoint character, the author explains everything. Let readers see, hear, smell, think, and feel only what that character experiences.

5. Giving every character equal page time – Switching POV too often keeps readers from forming a deep connection with the protagonist. Stay with one viewpoint long enough for readers to become invested.

6. Using an omniscient narrator – Fiction is usually stronger when readers are immersed in one character's perspective. Pulling back into an all-knowing narrator without purpose often feels jarring.

7. Breaking the POV with author intrusion – Nonfiction is weakened when the author steps onto the page by explaining, preaching, or giving information the viewpoint character wouldn't naturally think or observe.

A simple rule to remember:

One scene. One viewpoint. One emotional experience.

When readers forget they're reading because they're living the story through your character's eyes, your POV is doing its job.

Have you broken any of these rules? I know I have.

Join the conversation.

Tomorrow we continue our series of the Greek words for love.

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I hope I got your attention. My heart is burdened for the church. I feel the ways of the world have infiltrated due to lack of knowledge and Truth. This is my reason for posting. I love (Philo) my brothers and sisters in Christ.

We discussed Philo yesterday. Today is a more powerful love, often ruled by emotions and physical desires.

LOVE — Eros

Eros is passionate, romantic love or desire.

In Greek philosophy, it evolved from physical attraction into a spiritual longing for beauty and truth. Greek mythology personifies it as the winged god of love. Unlike the God of the Bible, whose love is unconditional and selfless, the Greek god Eros personifies physical desire, and impulsive lust.

Freudian psychology defines it as the human life instinct driving survival, pleasure, and reproduction.

The world has embraced these views and God is not happy.

God is the One who created attraction, beauty, and the desire for a husband and wife to become one. In its proper place, eros is a gift, not something to be ashamed of or distorted.

In Genesis 2:24 God establishes marriage from the very beginning: "The two shall become one flesh."

The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of eros in the Song of Solomon, where a husband and wife delight in one another with purity and joy.

God's design for eros is in the confines of marriage. It is protected by commitment, strengthened by faithfulness, and blessed by God only within a marriage.

God understands the human desire. He knows sex outside of marriage destroys identity, relationships, and more. He's not some ogre in the sky who doesn't want us to have fun. He wants to protect us from unnecessary pain and heartbreak. This is why He gave us a spirit of self control.

God created us and knows what is best.

So, to answer the question, “Is sex bad?”

Absolutely not! Inside the bonds of marriage.

God's love always has a purpose, and even eros points us back to the God who designed love in the first place.

I implore you, if you are believer, not living inside the boundaries of God's eros love. Repent and run to you Father in heaven. You are His precious child. He created you for holiness.

He already knew your sin and still chose to save you.

He loves you.

Please share this article with your friends and family.

Tomorrow is Wednesday Writing Wisdom

Thursday we dive into Agape: sacrificial love.

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and he runs on snacks.

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The Greek word philia (φιλία) describes the precious love of those who walk beside you. The ones who never leave when life gets tough or you're at your worst. A friend who listens, laughs with you, and knows when to remain silent, is a rare find.

Jesus gives friendship its highest meaning when He tells His disciples,

"I have called you friends" (John 15:15). What an incredible thought! The Savior invites us into a relationship built on love and trust.

David and Jonathan model loyal friendship as Jonathan protects David and encourages God's calling on his life.(1 Samuel 18–20).

yI've had friends support me financially and prayerfully when I went on a missions trip to Honduras. They wrote me once a week. I cherished the news from home.,

Jesus' friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus reminds me that real friends share both joy and sorrow. (John 11:35).

When my grandmother died, I had a few friends call, send flowers, and travel a long distance to be there at the funeral.

I am truly blessed.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Godly friends help us grow closer to Christ.

A true friend lovingly pointed out my sin of pride. I thought I could “fix” a previous boyfriend. She said,

“You are not God. God is the only one who can change him.”

I'd spent hours encouraging this person.

I was so upset I had to walk away. I knew she was right.

I returned, gave her a hug, and thanked her for her bold words, and love.

I praise God for her friendship. She loved me enough to speak truth into my life.

Philia ia a friendship that reflects the heart of Jesus. Jesus speaks truth, loves unconditionally, and listens.

We may have many acquaintances in life, but to experience true friendship is a gift from God.

Do you have a friend who exhibits Phila qualities toward you? Send this article to them as a thank you and join the conversation.

Next week, we will travel through the acrostic L.O.V.E. Join us to understand L.O.V.E. in action.

Baxter and I would love you to support us on our writing journey. Writing takes time, coffee, and a whole lot of Jesus.

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Should we use -ly words?

Yes and no. I loved using -ly until I read, On Writing Well, and other famous writer's who teach the craft.

William Zinsser: "The secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest component. Every adverb that carries the same meaning that's already in the verb weakens the strength of a sentence."

Mary Oliver: "Every adjective and adverb is worth five cents. Every verb is worth fifty cents."

Stephen King: "The adverb is not your friend."

Words like quickly, softly, and angrily aren't evil; they're simply shortcuts.

Instead of telling readers someone walks quickly, let the character race across the room.

Strong verbs paint pictures, while too many -ly words often hang little explanatory signs on the artwork.

When I edit a manuscript, I don't declare war on every -ly word. I simply put each one on trial. Does it earn its place, or is it covering for a weak verb? If removing it makes the sentence stronger, out it goes without a farewell party.

If it adds precision that no other word can, it stays.

The goal isn't to eliminate every -ly word; it's to write so vividly that readers experience the story instead of being told how to feel. And if your manuscript is sprinkled with -ly words like sprinkles on a donut, it may be time to replace it with a stronger verb.

Here are some examples.

Replace the -ly word with a stronger verb

Weak: She walked slowly to the door.
Stronger: She shuffled to the door.

Weak: He said angrily, "Leave me alone!"
Stronger: He grit his teeth, "Leave me alone!"

Weak: The child ran quickly across the yard.
Stronger: The child sprinted across the yard.

Weak: She looked carefully at the map.
Stronger: She studied the map.

Weak: He closed the door quietly.
Stronger: He eased the door shut.

Keep the -ly word when it adds something important

Keep: "I hardly know him."
("Hardly" changes the meaning. There's no better single-word replacement.)

Keep: She was deeply grateful for God's grace.
("Deeply" emphasizes the depth of gratitude.)

Keep: The witness remembered the accident vividly.
(The adverb adds a specific nuance that "remembered" alone doesn't convey.)

Keep: He was financially responsible for the project.
(This is precise and difficult to replace naturally.)

Keep: She spoke briefly before the meeting ended.
("Briefly" communicates the length of time efficiently.)

The rule isn't "Never use -ly words." The rule is, don't let them do the work a stronger verb should do. Every -ly word should earn its place. If it's hiding a weak verb, replace it. If it adds precision, clarity, or a shade of meaning you would otherwise lose, let it stay.

One editing trick I use is to search my manuscript for "ly" before I submit it. About half the adverbs stay, and the other half quietly pack their bags and leave.

Do you use -ly words often? Join the conversation.

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 Did you know there is a more powerful word for God's sacrificial love in the Bible than Agape?

A word that describes the multi-faceted character of God and how He showers His love upon us?

Many of you studied the different Greek words for Love, and know that the English word does not come close to the depth and breadth of its meaning.

 Here is a summary.

Agape: The self-sacrificing love that gives without demanding anything in return.

Phileo: The warm affection shared between friends.

Storge: The loyal love found in families.

Eros: The passionate love between a husband and wife.

Each one reveals something wonderful about love, yet another Greek word reaches deeper.

Hesed (spelled chesed or חֶסֶד in Hebrew) is a rich, multifaceted term for a covenantal love and devotion that goes beyond what is required. It encompasses a deep bond of loyalty, mercy, kindness, and grace, particularly when one person freely acts to meet another's critical need.

It is steadfast and unwavering because it rests on God's character instead of my performance. When God loves me with hesed, He is not reacting to my goodness. He is remaining true to His character and promises.

This truth leaves me humbled and grateful. To be truthful, I'm also relieved because I gave Him plenty of reasons to quit on me.

If I claim to follow Christ, I cannot settle for loving only when it is convenient or when people deserve it.

Agape calls me to sacrifice, phileo invites me into genuine friendship, storge teaches me loyalty, but hesed demands something even greater. It calls me to become a promise-keeper in a world full of promise-breakers. I must remain faithful when walking away would be easier, and to extend mercy because I have received immeasurable mercy myself.

 God's hesed is not sentimental or shallow. It is fierce, enduring, covenant-keeping love that sent His Son to the cross and still pursues me today. The more I understand hesed, the less I ask, "How little can I love?" and the more I ask, "How can I reflect the faithful love of the God who has never stopped loving me?"

I challenge you to spend the next few weeks with me, digging beneath the surface of the English word love. Study the Greek words agape, phileo, storge, and eros, then immerse ourselves in the Hebrew word hesed (also transliterated chesed).

Let’s ask God to show us how each word reveals another facet of His heart, and pay special attention to hesed, His covenant-keeping, steadfast, unfailing, and unconditional love that never depends on our performance.

The more we understand God's love in its original languages, the less we will see it as a feeling and the more we will experience it as the unshakable foundation of our relationship with Him.

Let’s allow His hesed to transform the way we see God and also the way we love others.

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"Ideas are easy. It's the execution of ideas that really separates the sheep from the goats." — Sue Grafton

Ideas are a gift from God, but faithful execution is an act of obedience. Here are seven ways Christian writers can discover meaningful ideas:

1. Read God's Word – Scripture is the richest source of truth and inspiration.

2. Listen to the Holy Spirit – God often whispers ideas during prayer and quiet moments.

3. Write Your Testimony – Your struggles and victories can encourage someone else.

4. Answer People's Questions – The questions you hear often become the messages people need.

5. Observe Everyday Life – Ordinary moments can reveal extraordinary spiritual lessons.

6. Keep an Idea Journal – Record titles, verses, and thoughts before they disappear.

7. Pray, Then Write – Ask God not only to bless your writing, but to direct what you write.

How do you get ideas?

Join the conversation.

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Have you ever been so determined to complete a task yourself, only to create a mess and give up?

For years, I tried to live the Christian life in my own strength. Chronic illness, trauma, and life's challenges left me exhausted.

I cried out to God as I lay on my couch, dishes in the sink, my cat on my chest, and a litter box filled with…I digress, you don’t need those details.

“LORD, why won't the Holy Spirit fill me?”

The Spirit prompted me to study the word fill

The Greek word translated "be filled" in Ephesians 5:18 is plēroō, which means to fill, permeate, influence, or control.

The verb is written in a way that means, "keep on being filled" or "continually yield to the Spirit's influence."

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly proclaimed Christ before the religious leaders (Acts 4:8).

Stephen was described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5), displaying wisdom, courage, and forgiveness.

After praying together, the early believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's Word with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Being filled with the Spirit is not getting more of the Holy Spirit; it is dying to sef and allowing the Holy Spirit to get more of me.

Now, before I place my feet on the floor each morning, or make any decision, I ask for His help. The Holy Spirit guides me through Scripture, nudges my heart, and sometimes a huge Neon sign.”

I've learned trying to follow Jesus without the Holy Spirit is like using a chainsaw without pulling the cord, lots of effort, little progress, and exhausting.

The more I surrender, the more I see God work.

The Spirit even changed my attitude about my illness, and now I turn my worry into worship, which makes me feel better. My strength and endurance increased.

My cat notices the difference too. He loves a clean litter box.

I get anxious and fearful when I choose ttodo the work and not allow the Holy Spirit to control me.

How can you tell when you're not filled with the Holy Spirit?

Join the conversation.

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Seven Legal Issues for Writers

As a ghostwriter, I have the privilege of writing some powerful stories for my clients.

So impactful, the truth could change people's lives forever.

When faced with this dilemma, I need to know the legal ramifications.

Whether you're a ghostwriter, writing fiction, or non fiction, I highly suggest obtaining counsel from a lawyer if you are unsure about anything in your manuscript.

Here are 7 issues to look for as a writer:

1. Copyright Infringement

Just because something is online does not mean it is free to use. Using someone else's words, photos, artwork, song lyrics, or substantial content without permission can lead to legal problems. Always obtain permission or use properly licensed material.

2. Defamation

Defamation occurs when a false statement harms a person's reputation. In nonfiction, memoir, blogs, and social media, verify facts carefully. Truth is a strong defense, but assumptions and unverified claims can be costly.

3. Privacy Violations

People have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Sharing private facts, medical information, personal correspondence, or identifying details without permission can create legal issues, even if the information is true.

4. Right of Publicity

A person's name, image, likeness, or identity cannot be used for commercial purposes without permission. This is especially important in advertising, book marketing, endorsements, and promotional materials.

5. Trademark Infringement

Trademarks protect brand names, logos, slogans, and product identifiers. Writers should avoid using trademarks in a way that suggests endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation that does not exist.

6. Contract Issues

Before signing a publishing, ghostwriting, editing, or collaboration agreement, understand rights, royalties, deadlines, ownership, termination clauses, and indemnification language. Never assume a contract says what you think it says.

7. Permissions and Releases

Memoirists, journalists, and nonfiction writers often need written permission to use interviews, letters, photographs, artwork, extensive quotations, or private materials. When in doubt, get permission in writing.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

Before publishing, ask four questions:

1. Is it true?

2. Is it mine to use?

3. Do I have permission?

4. Could this harm someone's reputation, privacy, or rights?

A few minutes of legal diligence can save a writer headaches later. This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for specific legal concerns.

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Welcome, grab your favorite drink and have a seat.

We continue to talk about God's W.I.L.L.

The last two weeks we discussed

W- Worship Him Only

I- Immerse yourself in His Word

Tomorrow we dive into

L- Listen to His voice

I don't know about you, but I need a refresher on God's will

Romans 12:2 says God's will is good, pleasing, and perfect. Many of us read that and wonder, What exactly is God's will?

At its core, God's will is not primarily about finding the right job, ministry, or location. It is about becoming more like Jesus.

His will is:

• To know Christ (John 17:3)

• To become like Christ (Romans 8:29)

• To be holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

• To give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

• To do good (1 Peter 2:15)

• To walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

• To glorify God in everything (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Good means it is for our ultimate benefit.
Pleasing means it delights God.
Perfect means it accomplishes exactly what He intends.

The more I walk with Jesus, the more I realize God's will is not elusive. It is not a secret destination I must discover. God's will is found in a Person. As I worship Him, immerse myself in His Word, and follow His Spirit, I become more like Jesus—and that is His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

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The Word of God changes attitudes, hearts, then actions. Memorization is critical for change.

Once I committed Scripture to memory, my hatred for my abuser changed, my self-loathing was replaced with God's view of me, and the longing for the sins I enjoyed, weakened.

I'm not saying I've arrived.

There are times that I get upset and want to scratch someone's eyes out.

You can leave, like I said, I haven't arrived at complete christlikeness. But that's how I feel. However, the Holy Spirit stops me from digging my nails into the person. He reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind.

My anger turns into repentance, then prayer for the person. Over time, I become less aggravated and more concerned for the person's walk with Jesus.

I know the transformation is due to the Word of God working with the Holy Spirit.

Do you desire to memorize the Word and don't know where to begin?

Subscribe and send me a message. I'll send you 7 tips to Memorize Scripture.

Next week we continue traveling through God's W.I.L.L

L Lean on God

Trusting God first.

I'm here for you.

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We thank you.

Make every sentence pull its weight.

Jesus often used vineyards to teach spiritual truths. The image also provides a powerful lesson for writers.

A vineyard owner does not measure success by the number of branches, leaves, or vines. The goal is fruit.

Healthy grapes require pruning.

Editing is necessary for every manuscript.

A sentence may be clever, beautifully written, or personally meaningful to the writer, yet still fails to serve the reader.

Readers are not concerned with the length of a sentence or how long it took to you write it. They want to move forward.

During the editing process, consider these questions:

What fruit is this sentence producing?

Does it move the story forward?

Does it reveal character?

Does it teach an important truth?

Does it create emotion or tension?

Would the reader miss it if it disappeared?

If the answer is no, it's time for the pruning shears.

A manuscript should not be measured by the number of words it contains, but by the fruit it produces.

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Trying to live out God's Word without the power of the Holy Spirit is like using a chainsaw without pulling the cord. It simply won't produce results.

The Holy Spirit can give us freedom from guilt, shame, and the power of sin. But that freedom comes as we memorize and apply God's Word.

Paul understood this struggle. In Romans 7:18–25, he describes the battle between his desire to do right and the pull of his sinful nature. We face that same battle today.

I think of the story of a man who owned two dogs, one black and one white. When people asked how he always knew which dog would win their monthly fight, he answered, "The one I feed the most."

The same is true spiritually. The flesh and the Spirit are at war within us. The one we feed wins.

Because our minds can focus on only one thought at a time, we must intentionally fill them with God's truth. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the Spirit uses it to change our thinking, our hearts, then our actions.

Scripture will perform spiritual surgery on our inner darkness. We must allow the Word to penetrate the soul and transform ungodly attitudes.

When I struggled with pride, I looked up verses on humility and commit them to memory. Now, when praise comes my way, the Holy Spirit reminds me of those verses and redirects my heart to give God the glory.

I bet you've experienced this.

If we want victory over sin, we must feed our spirit, and allow the Holy Spirit to do His transforming work within us.

Thursday we'll discuss how to memorize the Word.

Please join me.

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The same is true for us spiritually.

When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we do more than read a few verses We must soak in Scripture until it shapes our thoughts, influences our decisions, and aligns our attitude with Christ’s.

Reading alone doesn't produce transformation. Immersion does.

Want to know what the Bible states about the Word?

Join me tomorrow as we scan the Bible for truth about God's living, and active Word.

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With God some questions are left unanswered.

So when we don't know what to do. We do what we know.

That's where God's W.I.L.L. enlightens and encourages us.

We are reminded that we can walk in His Will 24/7!

I don't know about you, but it gives me peace.

This week we've talked about worship.

Click here to read Worship is Warfare

As I studied worship, I asked myself these questions.

Please join me in answering these questions, as we deepen our relationship with our Savior.

1. What is one thing I am seeking more than God right now, and how is it affecting my worship?

2. Do I worship God only when life is good, or do I worship Him because He is worthy regardless of my circumstances?

3. How would my decisions change if I focused more on pursuing God's presence than discovering God's plan?

You're answers are between you and

God. Unless you want to share.

My answers are in the first comment.

I pray you join me next week for:

I -Immerse Yourself in God's Word

Let's journey through God's W.I.L.L. together.

If I can help you in any way through prayer or your writing journey, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to serve you!

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Thank you and God bless you.

God's W.I.L.L.

W Worship

I Immerse yourself in His Word

L Listen to His voice

L Love God and others

This week, we're discussing Worship.

It's easy to worship God during the good times.

But how do we worship him during the difficult times, and the in-between times?

Grab your favorite drink. ☕️🫖 And let's journey through worship, the good times the difficult times, and the in-between times.

Paradise Worship

Jesus taught the disciples to pray. He said , “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

What's going on in heaven 24/7?

Worship

The angels are continually worshipping God.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

So, does God want us to sing all day?

Of course not. But He desires our spirit to be in a continual posture of submission to Him. This is our spiritual act of worship Romans 12:2.

Worship in the good times is so very easy.

**

Prison Worship

During the difficult times, worship is not my first reaction.

What's your response to trials and tribulations?

This is why God calls us to offer a sacrifice of praise.

Hebrews 13:15: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."

Praise can feel like a sacrifice when we're going throughut gut wrenching, excruciating trials.

And did you notice the word continually?

Think of Paul and Silas in prison. (Acts 16:16-40)

They were beaten, bloodied, and probably hypothermic.

They were thrown into the inner prison where the vilest offenders resided and the coldest part of the prison.

What do you do when you're cold?

They couldn't wrap their arms around themselves to keep warm, or jog in place, because their hands were in shackles, and their bodies pummeled.

But they praised God with their last ounce of strength.

As they were raising their voices toward heaven in worship, their chains fell off and the prison doors opened.

What chains bind you today?

Worry , fear, doubt, alcohol, drugs, shopping, pornography, gaming, or another idol that sits on the throne of your heart?

Worship God in the darkness.

Turn your worry into worship,

and your pity party into praise.

Feel the chains fall.

Worship wins every battle!

**

Day to day Worship

So, how do we worship God during the in between times?

How can we turn ordinary tasks into extraordinary events?

Worship!

Praise God, while you're washing the dishes, praise God while you're changing a diaper, praise God while you're cooking dinner.

You can even praise God in your heart during a board meeting.

Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God. He described his daily routine as a continual, conscious contact with his Creator.

You can read about his experience in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God.

https://www.christianbook.com/the-practice-of-the-presence-god/9781935785187/pd/785188?event=ESRCQ|PSEN

This book changed my life. I recommend it to every believer.

**

The mind can't worry and worship at the same time.

Choose worship.

Worship isn't just your voice. It's your entire being. Offer yourself mind, body, and soul to the Lord.

WORSHIP HIM CONTINUALLY!

Join me tomorrow for some discussion questions.

I want to know how God is working in your life? I want to learn how you worship our God.

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Baxter's treat jar 🐾

Coffee ☕️or Baxter's treats 🐾

If your manuscript is fat in the middle, chances are it's stuffed with fluff.

You know the culprits: just, very, really, began, started, that, seemed, felt, and a whole list of words that sneak onto the page and weaken our writing. They don't add flavor. They add calories.

As writers, we often fall in love with our words. The problem? Readers don't always feel the same way. 

Strong writing is clear writing. Every word should earn its place on the page. If it doesn't, it's time for it to go.

I've created a downloadable PDF of common fluff words and phrases that slow the reading of your manuscript.

If you'd like a copy, subscribe and send me the message, NO MORE FLUFF!

Need more than a word list?

Through Mind to Manuscript, I teach writers how to think critically about their work, and develop skills that will strengthen every manuscript.

PM me for a complimentary 15-min consult.

What's your favorite fluff word to delete? Mine is in the comments.

If you enjoy the content, please support my coffee fund ☕️

or buy Baxter treats 🐈‍⬛🐾

We will be grateful.

☕️ Coffee or Baxter's treats 🐾

Have you ever prayed, "Lord, I don't know what to do."

I sat on my couch , nursing post concussion syndrome, pneumonia, and bronchitis. My son was in the hospital and I could not go to visit.

As I prayed those words, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a phrase I heard about the will of God.

"When you don't know what to do, do what you know."

I love to teach in acrostics. They help me remember deep teachings and principles from God's Word.

So I grabbed a pen and my notebook from the side table, and wrote

WILL down the side of the page.

And that's how this message was born.

Welcome to the first article in a powerful series from The AcrosChick. I take ordinary 4 letter words like P.R.A.Y., R.E.S.T., H.O.P.E., L.O.V.E., I.D.O.L., and turn them into extraordinary Biblical messages.

Please join me on a 4 week journey through God's W.I.L.L.

W. Worship God first

I. Immerse yourself in His Word

L. Listen to His voice

L. Love God and others

Weekly schedule for each principle*

Monday: Overview of God’s will

Tuesday: Introduction to principle*

Wednesday: Mind to Manuscript Writing Wisdom

Thursday: The principal* explained

Friday: Discussion questions and insights

*Each individual letter in the acrostic is a separate principle.

God's will is not elusive. We can know what He desires of us 24/7.

Don't believe me?

There was a time I wanted God to hand me a detailed five-year plan. After many anxious nights and pity parties, I realized He doesn’t operate in my time frame.

I spent years asking God, "What is Your will?" only to discover He was asking me a different question entirely.

Do you want to know me, or just my will?

The day I stopped chasing God's will and started seeking Him, everything changed.

If you've ever stared at two open doors, three good ideas, and four well-meaning Christian opinions, wondering which one was God's will, this journeyis for you.

We'll discover that christ-likeness is God's will for us. Each step we take in obedience leads us closer to His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

When we apply these principles in the power of the Holy Spirit, our transformation into the likeness of Christ accelerates.

Romans 8:28-29 ESV

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together hfor good,1 for ithose who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he jforeknew he also kpredestined lto be conformed to the image of his Son.”

Romans 12:2

“ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by the testing, you may discern, what is the WILL of God and what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Do you want to be transformed by the Word of God?

Then please pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let's talk about what Scripture really says concerning the W.I.L.L. of God.

Thursday we take a journey through Scripture and study:

W. WORSHIP

during the good times, difficult times,

and in-between times.

Our final destination is always Jesus.

If you are blessed by my content, please donate to my coffee fund, or Baxter's treat jar.

Coffee ☕️ or Baxter's treats 🐾

We will be so grateful.

I take ordinary four letter words like P.R.A.Y., W.I.L.L., L.O.V.E., C.A.L.M., I.D.O.L., to uncover deep biblical truths.

An acrostic is a word where each letter becomes a key that unlocks a deeper truth.

The Bible contains acrostic poems. The most famous is Psalm 119. Other acrostic passages appear in Lamentations and several other Psalms, showing that God uses memorable word patterns to teach His people.

I love words and word puzzles.

Do you?

Also, my memory isn't like it once was. 🤔😝 I believe many of you can relate.

The acrostic format helps me remember powerful teachings and apply them to my life.

My hope is that The AcrosChick articles will help you remember Scriptural truth as you grow closer to your Savior.

I would be honored if you join me to uncover the treasures hidden in God's Word—one letter at a time.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW TO VOTE ON WHICH 4 LETTER WORD BEGINS OUR JOURNEY.

If you love my content, you can donate a few bucks to buy me a cup of coffee, or a treat for Baxter.