Inexpressible and Glorious Joy by Lillian Duncan

Lillian Duncan

Do you remember when you were first inspired to write? Have you found joy in your calling? Lillian Duncan is here to encourage us as we kick off another writing week. ~ Annette

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

(1 Peter 1:8 NIV)

This verse brings a smile to my lips and heart. The question is how do you find that inexpressible and glorious joy?

First, we must become a child of God, but what happens after that? I’m sure there are many paths to finding that inexpressible and glorious joy, but for me it’s been pursuing my God-given dream—to be a writer.

Following my dream has given me joy and a purpose in my life. I can’t imagine how empty my life and heart would be without my writing.

The specifics of your God-given dream are different from mine. Whatever they are, they will bring you joy and a purpose not only when you reach their fulfillment but during the journey as well. Our dreams are important to God, His Kingdom, and this world. Paul talks about this:

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV) 

As each of us follows our God-given dreams, they will work together for the common good of all. Imagine a world where dreams come true, where each of us is free to be the person God created us to be, where each of us experiences that glorious and inexpressible joy that comes from pursuing and reaching our dreams.

It sounds pretty awesome, don’t you think? But real life is real life. We have bills to pay and responsibilities to meet. I am not advocating giving up your job, running off to Tahiti to become the writer, artist, or whatever you’ve always dreamed of. But with prayer, I’m sure you can find a way to pursue your dream and still live in the real world.

And somewhere in the middle of the process, you’ll find your glorious and inexpressible joy. 

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Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word. To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com 

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Deception

Twins are supposed to have an unbreakable bond, but Patti and Jamie have serious relationship issues. They haven’t spoken since Jamie ruined Patti’s upcoming nuptials years ago. When a niece she knows nothing about telephones, Patti must unravel the yarn of Jamie’s life and her mysterious disappearance.

Detective Carter Caldwell takes his job seriously, and it's his job to keep Patti and her niece safe. But Patti is determined to help find her sister. As the investigation grows more dangerous, Carter begrudgingly admits the safest place for Patti is at his side.

Each step in their journey leads them closer to the truth but pulls them further down a road filled with danger and deception, where each will battle for survival and the lives of countless Americans.

Creative Best Series: Three

Annette M. Irby

Good Monday, friends! We've been studying Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message Bible this month to see how the Scripture applies to  us as writers. Looking for some encouragement? Read on, dear writer!

Today let’s look at the next phrase: 

"Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given . . .”

Did you know God created you to “walk in good works?” (see Ephesians 2:10) Before you were born, He had a lifetime of activities mapped out for you to participate in. These are ways you would glorify Him.

Remember the time you helped the homeless person by offering a few dollars, or giving him a lift? Remember the time you hugged the toddler who skinned her knee on the playground? Or the time you mowed the widow’s lawn? All of those were “good works” God invited you to participate in.

Your writing life is the same. You have been called, invited, to participate with God in His calling on your life. Who knew Wm. Paul Young would write a bestseller that would touch millions and bring glory to God? God did. Who knew your favorite author would put together just the right story, words, themes that would touch your life and inspire you? God did.

And He has books for you to write that will glorify Him while drawing people to Him. That’s the work we’ve been given. Beautiful isn’t it?

Here’s the best part: You get to enjoy the journey and God enjoys you in it. Let’s me explain.

In the movie Chariots of Fire, missionary Eric Liddell tries to comfort his anxious sister. She’s concerned he’s not fulfilling his calling as a missionary to China. He’s concerned about not fulfilling all of his callings—and one of them is to run. He tells her:

“I believe God made me for a purpose. For China, yes. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Eric was doing what God created for Him to do. Are you? When you do, you’ll feel His pleasure.

Isn’t it amazing to share with the Creator of the universe in crafting a story that can change lives, or writing a non-fiction book in a creative way that will also affect people’s steps?

What a gift! What a calling! A privilege. A pleasure.

As you sit at your computer today, give yourself permission to explore your work, the work you’ve been given. ENJOY writing! Enjoy the journey of your calling, or walking out the work you’ve been given to do.

Be your creative best!

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Husband Material

Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr. Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it. Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?

This series first appeared on Seriously Write in 2009. 

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1,000th Post and Survey Link

fireworks

We just celebrated our 1,000^th post at Seriously Write! We’re always looking for guests and topic ideas. So, we’ve come up with a quick survey to help us help you. Please a moment to fill this out. (Feel free to select as many as you wish in each section.) We’d also love to hear from your writing friends, so feel free to pass along the link.