Expanding our Horizons

 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” Those are the words from Proverbs 10:11 that we discussed last month. We ended with the challenge to ask God to flow from our hearts through our words and then to let our words flow.

Today I want us to ask, “Where?” Where would the Lord want our words to flow? Most of us have something on our hearts to write. This is good and should be prioritized. But is there more? Are we stretching ourselves? Are we using our gift to its fullest potential? Are there manuscripts, publications, avenues that we’ve not considered?

Prov. 31:26 says, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” There may be “instruction” on our tongues that is so familiar to us, we are not aware of its value or potential.

Could God have more for us than we’ve considered?

Take-away thought: Are there new places, un-thought of places where God wants to flow through us? Ask Him.

Next month: April’s meeting will be the second Saturday, April 14, since the first Saturday of the month is Easter weekend.

Assignment: Look in a market guide for a periodical, anthology or web opportunity that holds possibility for you. Jot down thoughts, notes or a completed piece for that market. Be prepared to share the market and your notes/article at the April 14 meeting.

Join us Saturday, March 3, 2-4:00, and explore

Expanding our Horizons

Are there untapped resources hidden within? 

Are there opportunities not yet considered? 

Let's talk about it!

If you have a writer's guide please bring it.

Thoughts To Ponder

Thoughts to Ponder

From the February 4 meeting

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him," Jesus (John 7:37-38).

What does that look like—streams of living water flowing from us?

Christ is the outflow of a life filled with Him. Like refreshing streams, the Living Water tumbles from our lives, extending its blessing to others— generous, abundant, constant blessings.

What does this say to us as writers?

Prov. 10:11 tells us “the mouth [words] of the righteous is a fountain of life….” Our words are more than letters on a page. They are a fountain of life, sparkling with refreshment.

Take-away thought: Ask God to flow from your heart through your words and by all means, let your words flow.

~ Barbara

Meeting - Feb. 4 - Release the Writer Within You!!

The next meeting of the NJCWG -


Saturday Feb. 4
2:00 - 4:00 pm


High Mountain Church
681 High Mountain Rd.
North Haledon, NJ 07508


If you're a regular attendee who canNOT make our meeting, please contact Barbara or reply to this email. Thank you!


This month's topic: Release The Writer Within You! 


Receive encouragement to release the writer within.

Be prepared for a brief writing exercise and bring suggested topics you would like addressed in 2012.

Next Meeting - Sat. Jan. 7

Dear fellow scribes,
Let's start the new year off right!

Our next meeting (sorry for the last notice!) is tomorrow - Sat. Jan. 7th at 2 pm.
Same place:
High Mountain Church
681 High Mountain Rd.
North Haledon, NJ 07508

Bring your goals for 2012!

Active vs. Passive Voice

One of my greatest struggles in writing is my bent toward Passive Voice. My husband says it's because I'm a passive person ;D Maybe that's it. Maybe it's because we're Christians, or just naturally polite, we'd rather say "I am loved by God." rather than "God loves me." OR "I was hoping that..." rather than "I hope that...." Just two quickie examples. I'm sure you can come up with many more. 

Here 2 posts from Grammar Girl to help us identify and overcome the Passive monster within. 

Active Voice:

http://tinyurl.com/86llxae

Passive Voice:

http://tinyurl.com/74uh8ht