By Janice L. Dick
When I signed up to post in this group, I felt somewhat anxious. Would I measure up to the criteria? After all, I don’t have as many books published as some of the other writers. I’m not a sought-after speaker. I don’t live in an exotic locale, unless you consider six to eight months of Canadian ice and snow each year exotic.
But I dearly love to write (okay, I prefer “having written,” but there’s only one way to get there) and here was another opportunity to share my thoughts regarding writing and faith. Would I be able to submit a reasonably fitting post when my turn came up?
Then I remembered a quote you’ve probably all heard before:
God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the called.
How true and how comforting. And motivating. All we need do is listen and obey.
I don’t have to be a perfect writer to contribute to this site any more than I need to be a perfect person to accept Christ’s sacrifice for me. Having said that, I do need to strive for excellence. It’s the other side of the coin scenario. Because I am a writer and a Christian, I want to do my best to record words that will be helpful and encouraging to other writers and readers, and to live a life that reflects my values and beliefs. That’s my prayer as I sit down to draft my stories.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Janice L. Dick, an author from the Canadian prairies, writes historical and contemporary fiction, book reviews and inspirational articles. She is also an editor, teacher and speaker. Her first two historical novels won first place in The Word Guild's Canadian Christian Writing Awards, and the third short-listed for the same award. Website: www.janicedick.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janice.dick.56
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceDick54
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jldwriter/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12780648
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/janicedick
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JaniceLDick
Enjoyed your post, Janice. I am also glad we don't have to be "perfect". No one would read our work if we thought we were! :)
ReplyDeleteBut we can encourage folk by showing our characters growing in their faith, don't you think?
Absolutely, Rita. I think we discover more of ourselves as we write, and this happens through our characters.
DeleteWell said, Janice. We're all on this journey, wondering if we'll be found out, but the joy of a community like this one is we're able to openly share our struggles, joys and wisdom together.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your next post.
Thanks, Ian. Love the phrase, "wondering if we'll be found out." I guess we all have our vulnerabilities.
DeleteHi Janice,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've just neatly expressed the feelings of many of us. I'm glad we have good quotes such as that one to help us keep things in perspective. Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Paula.
DeleteHi Janice ... What a surprise to see you here. Welcome. It's been a long time! Thanks for your post
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marianne. Good to be here.
DeleteWelcome, Janice. Now that the snow and ice is finally gone, I hope you're not dealing with floods like so many people in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Happy Canada Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your welcoming words, Alice. We have been spared the flooding, although we have had more than enough rain. Others were not so fortunate and will have to deal with the damage.
DeleteWe're so thrilled to have you on board, and what a great thought for the day. I always love the reminder that God calls ordinary people for his service if we let him! Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteGood to be here, Lisa. That quote is a real encouragement to me, so I thought I'd share it.
DeleteThanks for your honest thoughts, Janice--I think you write from the heart, and I love that! I'd also like to hear more about surviving six to eight months of ice and snow a year, being an Aussie who has only ever seen snow from a distance!
ReplyDeleteOur neighbors' daughter and family, on extended visit from Australia, have endured most of this long winter and they are still here! Their son was happy to celebrate his 13th birthday "in summer!"
DeleteThis was an encouragement to me today. Thanks Jan.
ReplyDeleteJanice, welcome to ICFW! Thanks for your encouraging words :)
ReplyDelete