I love this quote by Eric Liddell, champion runner (from Chariots of Fire) who went on to become a missionary to China.   I love it because he's completely aware of both his gifts, and the joy of using them for his Savior.  I couldn't agree more.  God made me a writer.  And I feel His pleasure when I write.  I know that the words He puts on the page are as much to bless me, as they are (hopefully) to bless others.  Because I love to know God's pleasure.

He also made me a teacher.  And when I work with writers who want to purse the gifts God has given them in writing, I feel God's presence, giving me wisdom, and enjoying with them their journey.  I feel the pleasure of God when they suddenly get a new idea, or a problem is solved in their manuscript. I love to teach. 

Which is why I spend a lot of time, (when I'm not writing!) travelling to writer's conference, teaching writers how to construct a story, and why I blog daily on writing craft.  Why, when I get a note from someone I've been able to encourage, telling me that they're getting published, my heart sings.  God is good to allow us to do what we love for the One we love! 

I love it that God longs to delight us with His pleasure, and that He does it by giving us gifts that he intends for us to use with joy.  David says, in Psalm 16, "You will fill me with joy in your presence."  I believe he's talking here about the future, in heaven.  But I also believe God gives us a glimpse of that joy when we rightly use the gifts He's given us.  My prayer for you this season is that you will embrace the gifts God has given you, and as you use them for His glory, you will feel His pleasure! 

~

If you're a writer - or want to be a writer, or are even considering being a writer, or know someone who has dreams of being a writer, send them over to www.mybooktherapy.com- I'd love to help them on their journey.  AND - I'm excited to announce that I'm going to be teaching a "How to write a Novel" seminar all day in Minneapolis, April 12^th, for the Minnesota Christian Writer's Guild.  Click here for more information.

Susan