It was almost four years ago that I began something brand new to me: writing devotionals. Let me explain how that came about.

For a number of years now, I have been the "cat herder" for a group of my classmates from Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon, USA. Several of us live close enough to meet together from time to time. Several others live farther away, but still enjoy being in on our email chit-chat. Occasionally, I include some of my musings and observations along with the general email news. One of our classmates, Rose DeShaw, who lives in Canada, noted my interest in putting my thoughts into writing.

Rose is a long-time contributor to the PresbyCan Daily Devotional. One day, she told me about this publication and suggested that I try my hand (computer, rather!) at writing a devotional myself. As a newbie, I tentatively submitted my first devotional, and I haven't looked back since.

Recently, I remarked to a friend that writing PresbyCan devotionals has caused me to look at life differently. She asked me to explain what I meant by that, so I replied:

I can think of a couple of different ways that writing devotionals has affected me.

1. I find myself watching for little life lessons in everyday life. There are plenty of illustrations of God's work in our life — examples to follow, pitfalls to avoid, things to encourage us, etc., all around. I think that now I just have sharper eyes to be watching for things to write about.

2. It has been a great discipline for me to try to clearly write down these thoughts and observations — in 500 words or less! I'll often be sitting in a coffee shop mulling over an idea that has come to mind, and I'll jot down descriptive phrases and expressive words on a napkin to look over again when I get home. I often start a devotional and have a rough draft sitting on my computer for several days. I then come back to it several more times to add to it or polish some phrasing before finally submitting it.

So, I consider this to be a double-blessing affair. If my writing blesses and encourages other people, it has already done the same for me as well!

Yes, writing about God and His works and ways — and the sweetness of His Word — is my way of passing on my blessings to other people.

Psalm 119:103 – How sweet is Your Word to my taste! It is sweeter than honey to my mouth! (NLV)

How has God blessed you? Even thinking about writing down His blessings will cause you to see God at work all around you, as it has done for me. You may soon have a story or thoughts to pass on to other people. You can click on this link to learn how you can submit a devotional yourself!

Prayer: O Lord, You have blessed us so abundantly. Thank You for the avenue of writing devotionals into which You have led so many, allowing us to share their blessings with others. May many others be prompted to do so as well. Amen.

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About the author:

Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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