But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).--James 3:17, AMPC

Through the years, I've discovered that, for me at least, going to writers' conferences and joining writing groups can be fun and inspiring--but the work still remains. Personally, I get more done and save money by avoiding these. 

You may find that you do need to do these, but don't let them keep you from your real goal: writing!

I have highly enjoyed the conferences I've been to, and have been inspired. I've been thrilled to meet writers that have published several books. I've also been part of a few writer's groups, where we gathered and wrote together. 

These are all good things, especially Christian writing conferences and groups, of course, because the goal of true Believers is to advance the Kingdom of God by leading others to Christ, and helping them to know and love and obey Him better, and to lead others to Christ (That is really why we true Believers are still on the planet, by the way!). 

What I found, however, is that these things still did not get my books and articles done. It's simple, but even with others setting timelines for me to turn in a certain amount of writing, if I was in a group and agreed to get some writing done, etc., it didn't work for me. 

So, of course, my main challenge has been the self-discipline of just going to the computer and writing; focusing on the project at hand. 

The LORD is helping me with that, and I've written much. However, there is much more I could have written--and sometimes going to a writing conference, getting online or gathering with others in a writing group can be an excuse to avoid writing. (Ask me how I know!)

However, some people, especially new writers (which I’m not), do need to join groups and go to conferences, to help build their confidence, and understand that there are many others who have the same fears and frustrations, but are (especially by the help of the LORD), learning to overcome them and just go forward, by putting one word after another, one paragraph, then one page, at a time.

Anyway, ultimately, none of us can do anything, without the help of the LORD! It is in Him that we live and move and have our being. 

One thing you can do, whether you're at a conference, in a group, or both--or not--is to remember that you are never alone! As one who has received King Jesus as your Savior and LORD, He is always with you to help you! 

One pastor stated that we are the Doers, and the Holy Spirit is the Helper. Indeed, that is one of His names. He has (through ministers I've heard) taught me to ask for the LORD to put His Grace all over whatever project I'm doing, for when we are writing to help others know Him, He is involved. 

But God’s free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass [His grace is out of all proportion to the fall of man]. For if many died through one man’s falling away (his lapse, his offense), much more profusely did God’s grace and the free gift [that comes] through the undeserved favor of the one Man Jesus Christ abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many.---Romans 5:15, AMPC

If the Grace of Jesus' pure blood can erase all our sin (which His blood did at the cross over 2,000 years ago! Hallelujah!), then His Grace can certainly help us complete the projects He gives us. I've proved that to myself many times! 

When we ask for His Grace, He gives it, and we are strengthened to be more focused and determined to finish. He helps us remember that, as He's also taught me to do, that we can yield to Him (Who is the true Writer, the real Author; Elohim!), and He will flow through our minds and hands to get the work done.

How great is our God! Amen and Amen!

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.