by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Mar 8, 2025 | Confident to Write
Your Joyful Writing is an Act of Worship!
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
May your writing be filled with JOY and an act of worship!
– Karen Lindwall-Bourg
J.O.Y. stands for
- Joy – the emotion I hope we all experience that includes delight, fulfillment, good fortune, happiness, success, even well-being.
- Jesus
- Others
- Yourself
I don’t even remember where I first learned this, but it’s a great reminder (for those of us who might see the glass half empty more than half full) to focus on and seek joy in all things. Really? Yes! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” James 1:2-4 encourages us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!“
Writing should come from a joyful heart while also recognizing His majesty and expressing worship unto God.
Joy comes from the Lord, and is His offer of inspiration to you. (Nehemiah 8:10) As you write about God‘s goodness, you cannot help but express joy. (Psalm 126:2) You write from a place of joy when you joyfully express your faith through your written words. (Psalm 100:1-2) Writing about your faith and your experiences is an opportunity to reflect this joy in every circumstance. (Remember again, Philippians 4:4)
Writing is an act of worship!
JESUS First: All your work, including writing, is ultimately done for God‘s glory. (Colossians 3:23-24) Your spoken or written words should honor God, making writing an act of worship when aligned with His will. Psalm 19:14.
Others: Writing can be a gift from God and so it becomes an act of worship when shared positively with others. (James 117)
Yourself: Your writing is part of presenting yourself as a living sacrifice when done in devotion to the Lord. (Romans 12:1) In the same way that your offering of music is an act of worship, using creativity, (especially when writing) as a form of expressing gratitude toward God is an act of worship. (Ephesians 5:19–20)
Here are 3 Tips to Help You Write with JOY:
1. Choose and post a Scripture that will encourage you to begin each writing session from a place of JOY!
2. Purpose to continually ask the Lord to help you see from His perspective more than from your own! Know that He will add joy to your words.
3. Ask a like-minded writer to read your words and offer joy-filled advice!
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!
J:
The joy acrostic is also a great reminder to put Jesus first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Seeking God first means placing Him above everything else in your life. You are called to prioritize your relationship with Him and to trust that all your needs will be taken care of.
O:
You are encouraged to love your neighbor with all your heart, soul and mind and “as yourself” in Matthew 22:36-40. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. [Another reminder to put Jesus first!] The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” You are to treat others with the care and respect that God desires; and you are to count others more important. Philippians 2:3-4, even tells us to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Y:
You are a tripartite being consisting of spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, “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.” Attending these three parts/this trichotomy takes some doing; especially for us girls! This verse reminds you that He cares about your wholeness and your well-being, and so should you!
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 1, 2025 | Confident to Write
Persevere to Write Prolifically
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12, NASB
Be Blessed!
What does the word persevere mean? -to persist, carry on, keep at it, last, endure… When the Lord places a calling before you, how do you persevere especially when faced with distractions, discouragements, difficulties, counter influences, and especially opposition?
What was the last discouragement you endured, and how did the Lord help you persevere?
_____________________
Persevere through your writing projects, grounded in faith in God and in His word. Seek His guidance and trust Him with all your heart. He provides clarity and direction in your writing. He has a promised hope-filled plan for you. Ask and ask again for inspiration and direction. Pray that your writing aligns with His precepts. (Proverbs 3:5) Trust in God‘s timing: be patient and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 37:7) Spiritual discernment trumps productivity! Writing takes time, and sometimes God‘s timing may differ from yours. Trust that He is working behind the scenes for good. Trust that even when you might not feel inspired or motivated, His calling on your life to write is secure!
Establish an accountability group based on your needs to persevere and the needs of those you work with to write prolifically. Support one another on your writing journeys. Share experiences, encouragements, motivations, and fresh perspectives. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Seek constructive feedback regularly as you encourage sharing writing drafts with trusted peers or mentors. Your work will improve and you’ll continue growing in motivation through the encouragement from others. (Proverbs 27:17) Celebrate even small victories together. Every word written is a step forward; take time to appreciate everyone’s achievements along the way!
You do You! What works for you?
- My friend Annette keeps a little journal with her at all times, and even if she needs to pull over to the side of the road, when a thought comes to her, she pulls over to jot it down and capture it before it fleetingly escapes her thoughts. I try to do the same. I always have my phone with me; I always have access to my Google Drive. It’s a perfect place to write down inspiration as it comes! Praise the Lord for every inspired idea!
- What hasn’t helped you to persevere in your writing projects in the past? Don’t do that anymore!
- What has helped you to persevere in your writing projects in the past? Do that more! Emplore the Lord to help you:
- Set and press on toward realistic goals. Philippians 3:4
- Cultivate a writing habit (Ecclesiastes 3:1) In Proverbs 31:15 we are told that the virtuous woman rises early to provide for her household. Can you imagine what you might accomplish if you rose only one hour earlier every day to write?!
- Find your groove, your flow. When are you most productive? What will your schedule allow?
- Prioritize projects on passion and purpose to maintain focus and reduce overwhelm. 1 Corinthians 14:40 suggests doing all things decently and in order.
- Create tools that encourage productivity and allow structure and flexibility like outlines, notes, guides, templates, and more…
- Stay committed to the calling God has placed on your heart to write. Writing is a ministry, and every word you write serves a purpose in His kingdom. (2 Timothy 1:9)
- Persevere through challenges (distractions, procrastination, perfectionism, writer’s block, and more… James 1:2-4) Challenges can strengthen your faith and endurance, and are opportunities for growth.
- And finally, embrace your unique voice. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable. Embrace them as you write, knowing that your words can touch lives!
Here are 3 Tips to Help You Persevere in Your Writing Calling
1. Persevere in attitude and in action! Pray for the attitude, inspiration and continued motivation to fulfill this writing challenge within your God-given calling! Take action and commit to write consistently by putting blocks of writing time on your weekly calendar. abound in this work… Finish it! (2 Corinthians 8:7,11)
2. Post a writing vision board and at least a 12-week schedule (maybe an annual schedule) of writing plans where you can see them every time you sit down at your computer. (Proverbs 29:18)
3. Plan your own or a group writing retreat, knowing that you can get so much more done when you’re away from your usual space and distractions. We hold a virtual writing opportunity once a week and every second Saturday, and an in person destination, writing retreat every quarter. LINK to CFFC Group.
Fulfill your God-given potential to write and share your messages with the world!
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 | Feb 22, 2025 | Confident to Write
Promote Your Writing Proudly
Shout from the rooftops!
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Romans 10:15, NASB
When was the last time you proudly promoted something that you wrote?
Promoting your writing in a way that honors God is your first priority! Pray for guidance. Begin your promotional efforts with prayer asking God for wisdom, direction, and favor as you share your words. The words of Philippians 4:6-7 encourage you to seek the Lord’s blessing in your efforts. He has called you to write. He has given you a divinely inspired mandate and multiple messages! Always stay true to your God-given ministry through His and your words as you “live honorably among” others. (1 Peter 2:12)
Promoting your writing in a way that connects with like-minded writers and readers is an essential aspect of your writing journey. Once you have written, how will they receive your words if you don’t let them know where to find them? By now, you know your audience well. Who will benefit most from or be keenly interested in your writing? Focus on those who resonate with your message. Offer value-packed free resources related to your writing. (Acts 20:35)
Communities can help you connect with other writers for mutual support and reciprocal promotion. They also offer great opportunities for collaborative projects and shared guest appearances. Communities are a great place to ask for testimonials on your writing as well – positive feedback provides credibility and encourages new readers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages edification among believers.
Two are better than one! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds you, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Promoting your writing in a way that aligns with your calling from the Lord is crucial. After all, the Lord has laid this writing project on your heart. He has asked you to hear Him, believe Him, and obey Him within this writing calling. Not to write could be considered an act of disobedience! You have to build an online presence and platform through a website or blog or social media sites where you can share about your writing process, offer free resources, and connect with readers. God places high value on community and connection. (Proverbs 27:17)
Show Up! Participate in writing events and speaking engagements as often as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can present, even lead a writing workshop or speaking at a writing related engagement.
Proclaiming and sharing about what you have written brings it alive for others and for you! (Romans 10:14) Toot your own horn! Speaking of promoting… we offer opportunities to write in community every Monday morning, every 2nd Saturday, and at destination retreats quarterly! Toot-Toot!
Here are 3 Tips to Help You Proudly Promote Your Writing:
1. Choose 1 Promotional Goal for this month: Multitasking doesn’t work well. So, choose ONE goal to reach your fellow writers and readers with your inspired words! _____________________
2. Choose 3 Steps under that 1 Goal: What are the first three steps you need to take to reach this promotional goal? It’s best if they are repeatable steps so you develop some good promotional habits along the way.
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
3. Commit to Investing in 3 Communities of like-minded writers and readers over a period of time to build authentic connections. Adhere to their promotional guidelines, of course, but don’t be afraid to talk about who you are, what you write and your calling from the Lord. How will they know if they don’t hear? (Romans 10:14-15)
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
“Shout from the rooftops who God has called you to be and what He has called you to do. Share your work within this blessed calling.
Rarely is anyone else going to shout it for you!”
-Karen Lindwall-Bourg
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 | Feb 14, 2025 | Confident to Write
Purpose First: Write with Divine Intention
Write to bring God glory and honor and to bless others.
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 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 5:14-16, NASB
What does it mean to write with purpose? What is your God-given purpose on this earth and in this work He has called you to?
Write with His ultimate purpose(s) on your heart and ever in your mind!
The apostle Paul speaks about giving generously from your heart, indicating that you should “purpose in your heart” to sow with thoughtful intention behind your words!
Pray for clear and divine purpose in and through your writing, continually seeking God‘s guidance. James 1:5 encourages asking God for wisdom. You probably have a lot of questions for the Lord as you write. But you don’t have to ask Him what your ultimate purpose is in life and in your writing. He has made it clear that in everything you do, you should bring glory and honor to Him. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Pray to understand your calling, especially your calling to write. I hope you “can’t not write!” The Lord has surely placed the desire to write and the message you are conveying in your writing on your heart. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that He prepared a good work in you beforehand. Your unique experiences, interests, and gifts flow especially when writing within His purpose. He has provided all the inspiration you need to write in His word. His word is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Your written words can have similar transformative purposes in you and for others!
Writing with purpose helps you to convey specific messages with clear intentions including spiritual goals, with desired emotional responses, and heartfelt outcomes as you commit your way to the Lord. (Psalm 37:) You are reminded that your ultimate purpose after glorifying the Lord is to reflect God’s love through your words. Matthew 5:16 encourages you to let your light shine before others by sharing His truth, grace, and love. You fulfill a sacred calling through your words. This is your divine opportunity to define and clarify your message with the guidance of the Lord, so that your reader is blessed!
Connecting with your reader through your God-given words first encourages a deeper connection with the Lord. Connections with and between your readers can foster lifelong friendships and support along the writing way. They are never alone!
You are never alone!
Give yourself freedom and permission to be flexible as God redirects you along the way. He establishes your steps! (Proverbs 16:9) Change course as often as is necessary. Shift gears when necessary! He will change your writing direction and in hindsight, you will be so grateful. In our last article, we talked about the fact that God places people before you who need to hear the words you write and speak. His words are powerful. Your words are powerful and inform, inspire action and change, and encourage. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s word does not return void!
What are 3 powerful ways you want your readers’ lives to be influenced by what you have written?
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
With your purpose-driven written words, bring glory and honor to the Lord. Foster blessed connections. And leave a lasting legacy of faith and truth, an inheritance for future generations! (Proverbs 13:22)
Here are 3 Tips to Help You Write with Purpose to Glorify the Lord and to Bless Others
1. Write with Purpose: begin each writing session asking the Lord to help you write to honor Him and to bless others.
2. Seek HIM for clear direction in the W,W,W,W,H&W’s: You will write well when you have clear direction from the Lord about who you are called to write for, what your message is and how it is to encourage them, when and where you will present your words to the world, how you write, and most importantly why He has called you to write! Spend significant time often on these crucial dimensions of your writing way!
3. Evaluate your final writing from the perspective of His ultimate purpose: Ask a co-writer to read what you have written evaluating whether He is honored and others will be blessed.
BONUS: Don’t write alone! Join our Cultivating Faith-filled Confidence Group!
Write within your God-given purpose, rooted in faith and guided by His voice. He will empower you in your writing craft and you will joyfully fulfill His calling on your life with your powerful words!
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
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 | Feb 6, 2025 | Confident to Write
People Need What You Write
And you need people.
Welcome to the What Are You Writing For? And what are you waiting for! Series © in the Confident to Write Alliance ©
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him.
A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NASB
God gave you words to write. You write to glorify Him, to bless others (believe it: they need what you write), and to fulfill the calling He has placed on your life.
You are not alone! You don’t have to be alone throughout the process!
Be Confident in Him: Before your work, especially your writing can impact others, you need to be confident that you have heard from the Lord, that you believe His calling on your life, and that you will obey in all ways. Tasha Glover calls this your “HBO”. Confidence is our word of the decade! Proverbs 3:26 tells you this confidence comes from Him! “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” NASB
List 3 groups you belong to that enlighten your walk and establish your confidence with the Lord within His calling on your life and work.
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Be ever mindful of the benefits of a like-minded community: The Lord reminds us in Matthew 18:15-20 of the benefits of others. In verses 19-20, He emphasizes that if two of you agree about anything, and together ask Him in His name, He is in your midst; and what you ask “shall be done” for you!
There is great power in fellowship within a like-minded community. You have the opportunity to encourage one another toward love and good deeds, to foster growth and support, to provide accountability when needed, to share struggles, celebrate successes, and provide constructive feedback. You get to see things from different perspectives and share ideas, deeper insights, and refined writing tips. You get to pray together, share resources, and collaborate on projects, combining your talents and leading to unique opportunities.
These communities are where you will build lifelong friendships based on shared faith and passions.
“Two hearts are better than one; four hearts are better than two!”
— Karen Lindwall-Bourg
It doesn’t get better than this!
List 3 groups you belong to that encourage relationships with other like-minded Christian Women Entrepreneurs.
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Be equipped for every good work: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) encourages: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” From your own spiritual growth, words and offers overflow to others. Staying grounded in Christ will enhance your work and writing.
List 3 groups you belong to that have equipped you to be a better servant, and a better writer as you serve.
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Which groups from your lists above overlap and can provide you with the most enlightenment, encouragement, and equipping so you serve the Lord and those He has placed before you with excellence?
- _____________________
- _____________________
***Purposefully dive into those groups with gusto!
Resolve to learn and to contribute value consistently.
Here are 3 Tips to Encourage Your People Connections as You Write
1. Write with confidence from the Lord to glorify Him. Remember, He is your confidence! [We talk about this in the next entry in this series.] Post verses and encouragements in your line of vision that cultivate faith-filled confidence in Him, and in the calling He has placed before you in this season.
2. Write to bless the people He has placed before you. They need what you have to offer. Consider 7 needs they have that you help solve. Write about their needs and your solutions over the next 7 days/weeks!
BONUS: Write to Reach Out & Touch Someone! Are you old enough to remember the old Bell (Telephone) commercials saying reach out {call to} touch someone? I am. And in a recent coaching group call as we discussed limiting beliefs and fears surrounding what God has called us to do, I realized that in a digital age where we don’t stand face-to-face and touch one another, we need – even crave – to be touched. I used this analogy: Do you ever walk out of your hairdresser’s station thinking to yourself, “I cannot believe all the intimate details of my life I just told her!” My theory is that we tell her so much because she lovingly touches us as few people do… and she makes us look great! That’s rare!
It is your goal as a writer, as a Christian Woman Entrepreneur to “reach out and touch” those the Lord has placed before you. They need what you offer. They need what you write.
3. Write to obediently honor the calling God has placed on your life. When you don’t do what the Lord has called you to do, you are being disobedient! He cares more about your obedience within this divine calling on your life this season than He does about your investment and income! Ask: Have I heard from the Lord about this next venture? Do I believe what I heard from Him? What are my next 3 steps toward obeying His directions?
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Dear writers, Cultivate and appreciate both the spiritual enrichment and practical benefits gained from connecting with others on your writing journey!
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
