by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Apr 26, 2025 | Confident to Write
Write to Jesus: Write to Receive
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23, NASB
You are wonderfully made! God cares about you – spirit, soul and body. Take care of yourself so you can serve Him and those He has placed before you.
— Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Yes, I realize we just spent the last two weeks emphasizing devotion to others and brotherly love and giving preference to others, putting others’ needs before your own. Allow me to shift your focus a bit.
You are wonderfully made by your Creator, as Psalm 139:14 reminds you: “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” NASB
God cares deeply about your spirit, soul, and body. In your journey of faith, you often emphasize loving others, serving them, and putting their needs above your own. Yet, if you neglect your own well-being, you find ourselves depleted and unable to fulfill God’s calling in your life. Just like the flight attendant’s reminder to secure your oxygen masks first before assisting others, you must prioritize self-care through seeking God’s help for restoration and clarity. One effective way to communicate with the Lord is through writing – pouring out your heart can be both therapeutic and transformative.
You must seek the Lord for help for yourself in various ways. You can write to the Lord to receive His help and you can write or journal with the Lord for clarity and focus.
I’ll leave it to you to work through the things you write to yourself such as reminders of events, lists of tasks, and so much more.
Here are 9 Tips to Write to Receive:
Write to the Lord to receive:
- Joyfulness – I had to put JOY first since we’ve been talking about this for a few months! Request the joy of the Lord in the process of building your ministry or business—not just in the outcomes but also in daily experiences. “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b
- Purpose – Reflect on your God-given purpose and how you can use your ministry/business as a platform to glorify Him and serve others. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
- Vision – Share your dreams and visions for the future of your ministry/business and seek His direction on how to achieve your goals. Remember, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (perish).” Proverbs 29:18a
- Faithfulness – Commit to stay faithful in all endeavors and ask for the Lord’s help in keeping Christ at the center of everything you do. “Let us hold fast (unswervingly) the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
- Courage – Ask Him for courage to step out of your comfort zones when pursuing new ideas or ventures He has placed on your heart. “…Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
- Balance – Ask for help in balancing work with family, self-care, and spiritual growth. “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—” Ecclesiastes 3:1
- Impact – Express a desire to make a positive impact on your loved ones, clients, community, and the world through your work. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
- Forgiveness – Seek forgiveness from the Lord for any mistakes made while conducting ministry and business in all interactions with others. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
- Restoration – Write about any areas where you feel weary or burnt out from work asking the Lord for restoration and rejuvenation. “He restores my soul; He guides me in the [c]paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
(All Scripture is taken from the NASB)
What would you add?
Writing serves as a powerful tool not only for introspection but also as a means of seeking divine guidance from your Heavenly Father. In bringing these areas before God through prayerful writing, you align yourself closer with His will while nurturing your ability to serve those around you effectively. As you begin this journey of writing with intention towards receiving from Him, remember Philippians 4:19 promises you that “…God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly; trust that as you seek Him earnestly on paper—or any other form—you’ll find clarity amidst confusion while deepening both personal healing as well as fruitful service.
Download the Part 1 Sampler of this 52-week “Confident to Write” Series, and receive an exclusive monthly update.
Write/Work with us in loving and like-minded communities! Working with others can be an incredibly enlightening, encouraging, and richly equipping journey!
Click here to find help writing “all the things“ and “everything in between“ as you serve the Lord.
#ConfidentoWrite #WhatareYouWritingFor #Whatareyouwaitingfor #WritetoPraise #WritetoWorship
Blessed to Write with Confidence,
Karen
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Apr 19, 2025 | Confident to Write
Reach Out and Touch Others to Offer Encouragement and Support
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.“
Hebrews 10:24-25, NASB
The Lord encourages you to honorably put the needs of others before yourself.
— Karen Lindwall-Bourg
jOy #2 – Reach Out and Touch Others to Offer Encouragement and Support
[Last week we talked about reaching out and touching others to connect and build relationships.]
This week we’re gonna talk about reaching out and touching others to offer encouragement and support. You encourage others by sharing uplifting words to inspire and motivate them. You offer support when they are going through difficult trials. You may express willingness to help with practical needs like meals during a difficult time or assistance with tasks.
{Please remember we’ll talk about writing FOR others in Part THREE of this series.}
Think of the last time you wrote to another to encourage and support them. How long ago was this? What method did you use? Did you send a note or a card, a Facebook message or a text?
I’m going to encourage you to send a note of encouragement and support to someone within a week of reading this article. I’m not gonna tell you how to do it, just please do it!
If you were able to think of the last time you wrote to another to encourage and support them, what did you write to them?
Here are Tips to Help You Reach Out and Touch Someone to Encourage and Support
I’ve tried to come up with just seven suggestions from the tip of my heart, so here goes.
- Affirmations – Send compliments highlighting the recipient’s strength, skills, or contributions to your life. Affirm their purpose and how they can use their ministry as a platform to glorify God and serve others He has placed before them. I remember a shadow box of flowers on my Mamaw’s wall that said, “You have touched me: I have grown!” Every time I saw it I prayed that God would use me in the lives of others to help them grow!
The Lord bless you, and keep you;The Lord make His face shine on you,And be gracious to you;The Lord lift up His countenance on you,And give you peace.’Numbers 6:24-26, NASB
- Blessings – I love the blessing prayer in Numbers 6:24-26? Bless others this way! Bless them with peace amidst all three – physical, soulful and spiritual challenges. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your (1) spirit and (2) soul and (3) body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”
- Comfort – Send notes that provide condolences and solace in times of grief or loss, reminding recipients of God’s love and presence. Write messages offering help and support during difficult times – offer to run errands or provide meals or more…
- Gratitude – Write thank you notes expressing appreciation for friendship, support, or specific acts of kindness.
- Hope – Mail uplifting messages that inspire hope and positivity. This may include sharing testimonies about personal experiences regarding things that have worked in your life as a way to inspire hope and faith.
- Accountability – Write about shared goals or commitments of faith, and offer to pray for each other’s progress. You might have opportunities with some you know well to offer advice and guidance based on biblical principles when someone is facing tough decisions or situations.
- Prayers – Send personal prayers offered for someone facing challenges or seeking guidance, letting them know you’re lifting them up to the Lord.
- BONUS: Scripture – Send encouraging Bible verses that are relevant to their current situation or struggles, providing support and guidance.
What would you add to the above list? I’d love to know.
Challenge: WRITE a note to a loved one this week! POST [FREE Sample of WAYWF? Awaywf!] in our group and I’ll send you a FREE Sample of our 2025 52-week Confident to Write Series.
Download the Part 1 Sampler of this 52-week “Confident to Write” Series, and receive an exclusive monthly update.
Write/Work with us in loving and like-minded communities! Working with others can be an incredibly enlightening, encouraging, and richly equipping journey!
Click here to find help writing “all the things“ and “everything in between“ as you serve the Lord.
#ConfidentoWrite #WhatareYouWritingFor #Whatareyouwaitingfor #WritetoPraise #WritetoWorship
Blessed to Write with Confidence,
Karen
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Apr 11, 2025 | Confident to Write
Reach Out and Touch Others to Connect & Build Relationships
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;”
Romans 12:10a
“…through love serve one another.“
Relations 5:13
The Lord encourages you to honorably put the needs of others before yourself.
— Karen Lindwall-Bourg
[Note: we’ll talk about writing for others in PART 3: PROFESSIONAL Writing Projects]
Personal notes to others can foster deeper connections among friends and family while reflecting the Christian values you hold dear! In these modern times, handwritten notes and notes sent through the snail mail postal system of our day are a rare treat! My mother was a master at calling on folks and at writing handwritten notes to people on their birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Sadly, I think I have only one person, my cousin Jan, who still sacrifices her time and reveals her love for me by sending handwritten cards!
jOy #1 – Reach Out and Touch Others to Connect and Build Relationships
[Next week, we’ll talk about reaching out and touching others to encourage and support them.]
Think of the last time you wrote to another to connect and build union with them. I sincerely hope it wasn’t so long ago that you can’t put a finger on it! I do understand that in this day and age, most of our writing to another person is by text or Facebook messenger instead of sending a written note or card. You can even send cards electronically now using online services!
In light of this sad 😥commentary on our modern times, I’m going encourage you to send a note to someone within a week of reading this article! I’m not gonna tell you how to do it, just please do it!
If you were able to think of the last time you wrote to another to connect and build relationship with them, what did you write to them?
Here are Tips to Help You Reach Out and Touch Someone to Connect and Build Relationships:
I tried to come up with just seven suggestions from the tip of my heart, so here goes
- Check ins – Send simple messages, reaching out to see how they are doing, expressing care and concern for their well-being.
- Life updates – Share personal updates and joyful news about your life with friends or family members to keep them connected with your journey. Share personal joys, milestones, or celebrations in your life to spread happiness and encouragement.
- Shared memories – Send notes reminiscing about shared experiences that highlight the value of the relationship. For example, the anniversary of our Dad‘s death is coming up, and I would like to share some specific stories he told that we had the blessing to record! “…what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us [that you may share in what we have seen and heard]; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.” 1 John 1:3-4
- Invitations – Invite friends or family to gatherings, events, or activities to strengthen bonds and connections. Hebrews 13:2
- CELEBRATIONS
- Share good news about faith and personal milestones or achievements, celebrating the joys of life and spiritual breakthroughs together,
- Celebrate baptisms, birthday and anniversary celebrations, holidays and more. Romans 12:15
- Love notes – write simple notes expressing love and appreciation for the person just because you value them in your life! Write words of affirmation complementing their character, skills, or accomplishments to build them up and affirm their worth in Christ. Reminds me of the five love languages! “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
- ASKS: You might ask for clarifications, for forgiveness of a wrongdoing, for wisdom and guidance and in making decisions. Colossians 3:13
What would you add to the above list? I’d love to know!
Challenge: WRITE a note to a loved one this week! POST [FREE Sample of WAYWF? Awaywf!] in our group and I’ll send you a FREE Sample of our 2025 52-week Confident to Write Series.
Download the Part 1 Sampler of this 52-week “Confident to Write” Series, and receive an exclusive monthly update.
Write/Work with us in loving and like-minded communities! Working with others can be an incredibly enlightening, encouraging, and richly equipping journey!
Click here to find help writing “all the things“ and “everything in between“ as you serve the Lord.
#ConfidentoWrite #WhatareYouWritingFor #Whatareyouwaitingfor #WritetoPraise #WritetoWorship
Blessed to Write with Confidence,
Karen
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Mar 20, 2025 | Confident to Write
Write to Jesus
Pour out your heart before Him.
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2, NASB
Writing to Jesus first can be a powerful way to express your thoughts, prayers, and desires.
Last week we focused on writing to Bless Jesus.
This week let’s dwell on writing TO Jesus. Later we’ll learn about writing to others and writing for yourself (Part 3 will hone in on things you write for others).
Speaking of writing to Jesus, before you hear from me, please take a moment to hear from Him!
What are some thoughts, prayers, and desires you might write to Jesus?
- ___________
- _____________
- _______________
Last week we wrote to Bless Him and that encompassed worship, adoration, and praise.
Let’s talk through some additional thoughts, prayers, and desires you might write to Jesus.
A. Gratitude – In addition to writing your gratitude for specific blessings from the Lord, write to thank Him for the gifts, talents, and opportunities He has placed before you within your ministry. Write about your thankfulness for God‘s faithfulness throughout history and your personal experiences. This is an uplifting journey. Psalm 100:4 instructs us to, “Enter His gates with Thanksgiving, And His courts with praise.“
B. Hope – Write about the hope you have in Christ Jesus and how it sustains you through trials or uncertainties. Romans 15:13 says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
C. Love – Write to express the profound nature of the Lord’s perfect love. His love is sacrificial. (John 15:13) His love is unconditional. (Romans 5:8) His love is steadfast. (Psalm 136) Isaiah 54:10 says, “For the mountains may be removed, And the hills may shake, But My Lovingkindness will not be removed from you,”. Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. His love has transformed you and inspires you; comforts, heals, guides, and sustains you. Consider how transformative and all encompassing His love truly is!
D. Meditations – You may frequently read the Bible on your own, listen to sermons weekly, and enjoy beautiful worship music. Meditating on God‘s word to discover what it means and how it applies to your life encourages deeper understanding and a close relationship with him. Psalm 119:11 mentions this beautifully: “Your word have I treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against you.“ I think there’s probably more to meditation than just deeper meaning and application. Take your study of God‘s word beyond listening or reading. Lean closer, dive deeper and meditate on His word through reflection, engagement, and application.
BONUS Blog: Meditation on God’s Word:
E. Remembrances – Asaph, and so many others, especially in the Psalms, wrote to remember the Lord’s presence and provisions and miracles in their lives and to reflect on His special promises. I love Psalm 77. It is titled: Comfort in Trouble from Recalling God’s Mighty Deeds in the NASB. Asaph was discomfited: he sighed, cried and could not speak (vv. 1-6). He grieved and lost hope (vv.7-10). Then he remembered the Lord’s deeds, sonders, and works; His wonders, strength, and power (vv11-20). And Asaph was comforted! Write all the wonderful ways you remember God’s mighty deeds!
Here is an opportunity to Write to Jesus 3 Heart-felt Messages
What are some thoughts, prayers, and desires you might write to Jesus?
- ___________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________________________
Download the Part 1 Sampler of this 52-week “Confident to Write” Series, and receive an exclusive monthly update.
Write/Work with us in loving and like-minded communities! Working with others can be an incredibly enlightening, encouraging, and richly equipping journey!
Click here to find help writing “all the things“ and “everything in between“ as you serve the Lord.
#ConfidentoWrite #WhatareYouWritingFor #Whatareyouwaitingfor #WritetoPraise #WritetoWorship
Blessed to Write with Confidence,
Karen
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Mar 12, 2025 | Confident to Write
Write to Bless the Lord
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
Writing to Jesus can be a powerful way to express your thoughts, prayers, and desires. Everything you write to Him can be an intimate conversation between you and Jesus, allowing you space to share your heart openly as an entrepreneur and a follower of Christ!
Write to Bless the Lord! Write words of blessing to Jesus.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
Psalm 103:1
J.O.Y. = Jesus, Others, Yourself
I have begun the journey of understanding blessing the Lord late in life, and I am so grateful! It’s another reminder I need moment by moment to put Him first. It’s a lesson toward understanding His Majesty, Righteousness, and Worth. It teaches me to consistently seek Him and ask Him for a larger than human-sized glimpse of Who He is and how He sees things!
I’m not sure how I missed this concept! All of those Prayer acrostics include blessing the Lord.
In the A.C.T.S. prayer guide, A stands for Adoration (Adore Him!, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication).
In the P.R.A.Y. prayer guide, P stands for Praise (Praise Him!, Repent, Ask, Thank).
Here’s my favorite prayer guide because all of our family entrepreneurial endeavors are named Rhema which is a Greek word which represents an “inspired utterance from the Lord”.
R.H.E.M.A. stands for:
- Reflect on God and His Word. Begin by meditating on a passage of Scripture that speaks of His greatness and majesty. (Psalm 145) Pray: “Lord, as I seek You today, help me reflect deeply on who You are. Reveal more of Your glory and truth to me!”
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for [Or hope in] the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings [Or sprout wings/pinions] like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31, NASB
- Honor Him in Worship. Take time to honor the Lord with music and song, expressing your love for him. Pray: “blessed are you, oh Lord! I honor your name above all names. You are mighty and worthy of all praise. Fill my heart with joy as I worship you.”
”Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Psalm 95:6
- Express Gratitude. List specific blessings in your life for which you are grateful, thanking God for His provision, love, mercy, and grace. Pray: “Thank You, Lord, for your countless blessings in my life. I am grateful for spiritual blessings, soulful blessings, and physical blessings. May my gratitude, in return, bless Your heart.”
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Make Requests. Because God is great, bring your requests for others and for yourself before Him praying for wisdom, healing, strength, and guidance. Pray: “Lord, I lift up these and myself before you. Please provide us with comfort and peace. Help us to be instruments of Your love.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6–7
- Acknowledge His Majesty. Conclude your time in prayer by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and majesty overall. Pray: “Lord God, Almighty, I stand in awe of Your greatness! You are sovereign over all things; may Your will be done in my life and in the world around me.”
“Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.” (I love that!)
Psalm 145:3
Draw closer to God while blessing His name through reflection on His word and honoring His presence in prayer.
May your prayer life be enriched. May you receive Rhemas – special messages and revelations from God through the Holy Spirit. May you understand scripture in a deeper way, sensing God‘s guidance in specific situations, feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit to take certain actions based on God‘s will. May His active, living nature be revealed in His word. May you grow in your relationship with God and seek His voice through prayer and study of His word. May you experience moments where you receive personal insights and encouragements to enhance your faith journey. May the Lord build His foundation under you and guide you in prayer, worship, gratitude, intercession, and acknowledgment of His majesty, helping you to deepen your relationship with Him.
Write to Intercede. Ask God to bless Others.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people,…” 1 Timothy 2:1
In future articles, we will focus on praying to bless others, hoping that as you learn to bless the Lord, thinking of others comes next naturally!
Write to Receive His blessings for Yourself.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
In future articles, we will focus on praying to receive a blessing from the Lord for yourself.
Here are 3 Prompts to Help You Bless the Lord:
1. Write to Bless the Lord! Write words of blessing to Jesus.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” Psalm 103:1
2. Write to Intercede. Ask God to bless Others.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people,…” 1 Timothy 2:1
3. Write to Receive His blessings for Yourself.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Did you notice the JOY acrostic (again)?!
Let’s talk about joyfully attending to personal writing projects, focusing on seeking the Lord first, serving the people He places before us, and self-care over these next 6 weeks!
Download the Part 1 Sampler of this 52-week “Confident to Write” Series, and receive an exclusive monthly update.
Write/Work with us in loving and like-minded communities! Working with others can be an incredibly enlightening, encouraging, and richly equipping journey!
Click here to find help writing “all the things“ and “everything in between“ as you serve the Lord.
#ConfidentoWrite #WhatareYouWritingFor #Whatareyouwaitingfor #WritetoPraise #WritetoWorship
Blessed to Write with Confidence,
Karen
