Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Meeting this Saturday


February 3, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff
in the Barn (red building on your right as you enter)

Saturday's focus:

The Point Is… In a Nutshell… Finally…


Image compliments of Zazzle.com

How aphorisms add clarity, define purpose, and assist memory.

aph·o·rism \ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm 

Bring one or two writing samples, such as a blog post, for our discussion of aphorisms and their value.

Our group encourages experienced and novice writers. You are invited to check it out and see if it's a fit for your needs. 

I hope to see you Saturday,


January's Focus Point
Joy in Writing
When I was a child I learned the secret of joy in the form of an anagramJ-O-Y: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. But long before it was contrived as a cute anagram, Jesus spoke it as profound truth. Quoting from Deuteronomy, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This sure-formula for joy in life, also gives us joy in writing.
God first. Every creative thought, sudden illumination, and golden truth we discover is not original, but comes from God. It is His call, His gift, His message, and His inspiration that speaks to our hearts and draws us to our keyboards. When we are mindful of that, we are focused, motivated and energized—we have purpose that transcends personal recognition, a meaningful hobby, or hopes of a paycheck.
Secondly, think of others. How often are we reminded to think “reader first?” If we’re not writing for readers, we can simply journal. Journaling is easy, communicating is work, but love for others will incite us to action. It will propel us to take the time and make the effort to write, and write well for the benefit of our readers.
The third aspect of the equation is you. The fulfillment, satisfaction andyesjoy that is ours when God is first and others are second cannot be found any other way. When I put myself first, I never have enough, am not good enough, and can’t be satisfied. The biblical order is the way to fulfillment.
When I respond to God’s inspiration and use His gifts to bless my readers, I experience joy in writing.
Take home thought: When it comes to writing, glorifying God is my reason, enriching others is my goal, and joy is my reward. 

Wednesday, January 03, 2018

Need inspiration? Find it this Saturday!

Kick off 2018 with a dose of writing inspiration at NJCWG's first meeting of the year.

January 6, 10:00-noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,
in the Barn (red building on the right as you enter)

Saturday's Focus: The Joy in Writing

We will share our writing goals for 2018 and discuss the hindrances that hold us back, as well as the joy that propels us forward.

Published and novice writers are invited. Find encouragement for your writing endeavors.  

Barbara
Image compliments of thepreachersword.com