“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Thank you for your prayers last week! I have returned from the writers conference ready to move forward, to revive my calling to write stories for children, to answer the call of my Lord to serve His kingdom.

One of the most wonderful parts of a Christian writers conference is the encouragement. And not only from the staff and faculty (authors, agents, editors and publishers) but also from the other participants. Everyone there is a “writer”. They have been where you are. They have struggled and worked hard. They have had work rejected. And they are rooting for you!

Don’t get me wrong, it is not all daisies and sunshine. They also will critique your stories if you ask. And the best part is that the faculty are honest with you about your work. They help by pointing out ways to make it better, more engaging, more readable. But it is all sandwiched with encouragement and kindness. They want to “build” you up just as Paul instructs the church at Thessalonica.

This week decide who you can encourage. If you’re a teacher, encourage your students or a future teacher. If you have known grief, encourage someone who is mourning. Each of us can empathize with someone because of our own experiences. Offer encouragement to others and build each other up.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we encourage others!

Are you a writer? I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings and encouragement!