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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Click (04/18/13)
It has happened yet again. I write my article, read it, edit it and make changes. Happy with the re-write, I run the grammar check. Pleased, I see that my grammar errors are declining. Only a couple of changes are necessary to improve the language.

The grammar program indicated what needed revised. I revised it. It is grammatically correct now. Good, I can submit it and meet the deadline! I know that I waited to long for the inspiration. I know I rushed it, but I didn't fail to run it through the editing software.

It is not until after submission that I read it again, and find, (to my horror) an unmistakable error. Are you kidding me? – But I ran it through the software! (I guess I will never learn.)

Nothing can replace human eyes or the need for someone else to check our work. These eyes are sometimes referred to as 'fresh eyes'.

I guess I'm not used to being concerned about my little grammatical errors. After all, any writing done in the past was for my own reading. Journaling started out as a discipline to improve my prayer life. It turned into a challenge after hearing a skeptical remark about how few actually commit to it.

I'm glad I was able to stick with it. Sure there have been times of withdrawal from it for awhile, but overall it has been a commitment that has sustained the test of time. As I read through my grammatically error-ridden journals, it is evident how my relationship with God has deepened. I can see how my concern for the salvation of others grew deeper in importance to me.

The pages reveal my heart at the time – the burden the Spirit placed on my heart. As I re-read journals of years past, I can see clearly how God worked out the concern brought before Him. Much of what I find on the pages can help write my stories, but journaling is personal writing.

It is yet another challenge to learn to write for others. To learn to be more critical and discerning with words. Realizing others do not know where my heart is and what my thoughts are. I have to learn to communicate them clearly so that re-reading a sentence is not required to understand my message. The goal is to keep the reader from thinking, “Oh, that's what she meant.” – after re-reading a sentence or paragraph.

Giving up is not an option. God has given each of us a story to tell... or sing... or write. He will give us what we need to do what He wants us to do. He provides the ability to complete, the 'fresh eyes' to critique and improve our skills, and encouraging words to keep us from quitting.

Then it clicked. God wants obedience not perfection.

He can only use my words to bless someone if I am willing to write them.
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This article has been read 688 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Patsy Hallum 
04/25/13
AMEN! Your correct about the programs...Keep Writing!
Christina Banks
04/28/13
You are absolutely right, "He can only use my words to bless someone if I am willing to write them." God can use us when we use out gifts for his honor and glory. The more you practice, the easier those grammatical errors will be to spot. I have struggled with my grammar and spelling for as long as I can remember, but in the last few years I have seen steady improvement in those areas. A big part of that is due to entering the writing challenge. I love the focus that you bring with this entry. It is something that every writer should remember.
Christina Banks
04/28/13
You are absolutely right, "He can only use my words to bless someone if I am willing to write them." God can use us when we use out gifts for his honor and glory. The more you practice, the easier those grammatical errors will be to spot. I have struggled with my grammar and spelling for as long as I can remember, but in the last few years I have seen steady improvement in those areas. A big part of that is due to entering the writing challenge. I love the focus that you bring with this entry. It is something that every writer should remember.
Ellen Carr 
04/28/13
What you say is very true. I too journal as I pray as well as writing for others to read. Keep writing to bless others.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
04/28/13
How I wish I had kept a diary since childhood. I was encouraged to, but at an age when writing was to Gram: "Hi. How are you? The weather is fine. Will write soon."

If only I had foreseen the forgotten dreams, loves and Chronic Fatigue causing great gaping holes in my memory.

Thank you for encouraging us writers with your excellent writing.
Cinda Carter 
04/29/13
I am a new as a writer when it comes to articles. I truly enjoyed your piece on "Why Do I Write Anyway?" and your closing thoughts hit me rite between the eyes. Click, because God wants obedience not perfection. I tend to be a perfectionist when take the challenge to do something new. Your article has encouraged me to continue as a writer and with practice I pray I will improve with time. Thank you for being honest enough to share these thoughts on being obedient to our Heavenly Father.
Linda Buskirk
04/29/13
Oh my goodness - your words echo my own experience so much! Your conclusion was helpful and really ministered to me. Thank you!
Cheryl Harrison
04/29/13
"God wants obedience not perfection." Amen!

Thanks for writing this. I appreciate your tender heart toward the Lord. Keep writing for Him.

Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/29/13
This really touched my heart, especially the last line. It is so true that we need to be obedient to God. I can so relate to this as this week I saw I missed a typo on my story and I pounded my fist on the desk, berated myself for a bit for missing something so obvious after I clicked the submit button. You shared an important message here and you keep writing what God puts on your heart.
Alicia Renkema
04/29/13
I enjoyed this entry so much and was blessed by it. I have bad arthritis in my hands and a tremor to boot, so I don't journal anymore and I really miss doing the long-hand-journaling. I love it when the Lord drops a much-needed thought into our hearts and HIs message resonates or clicks.There are some grammar and punctuation issues, especially in your first paragraph but with your transparency it almost didn't matter. I hope you keep writing too as it is easy to see that the Lord has given you so much passion and that is what makes for really good writing. The technical stuff can be honed with time and a buddy group at FW is a great place for that.
Richard Hicks
04/30/13
I tend to forget this at times, I thank you and God for reminding me to not give up on what God tells me to write.
Loren T. Lowery
05/01/13
A thoughtful, insightful, inspired and profound insight that will take both readers and writer far!
Bea Edwards 
05/02/13
Well done but I think I found a grammatical error, seriously I'm not pulling your leg. The second paragraph 'what needed revised' I revised. Shouldn't it be 'what needed revising or revision.'
Isn't that hilariously ironic?
God certainly shows Himself strong in our weakness.
For example using me and my grammatical illiteracy to help administrate this website overflowing with amazing talent!