This week’s topic is not just for those of us who consider ourselves writers. Writing is a form of communication, so there are many good reasons to write whether you are communicating with God, others or yourself.



Start 2016 writing

• To capture memories. Write captions for pictures, funny things your kids said or write a vacation log to remember a special place.
• To express love. Put notes in your spouse or kids lunch or suitcase if they are going on a trip to make them feel special.
• To express gratitude. Write thank you notes for not only tangible gifts but also gifts of talent and service.
• To clear your mind of clutter. If you are thinking about several things at once, it helps to write it all down.
• To set goals. Seeing your goals written down gives permanence to them. There is something satisfying about breaking those goals into lists and checking off completed items.
• To be creative. Try a new form of writing, such as a poem or short story to stretch your creative horizons.
• To reconnect with old friends. I know that social media gets a bad rap, but it can also be a wonderful way to stay in touch.
• To inform. Do you know something that others need to know? Write and share.
• To keep a record. Journaling is a great way of keeping a record of God’s faithfulness.
• To remember. Writing prayer request and scriptures helps you stay on track as you communicate with God.
• To make decisions. Writing the pros and cons can help you get a clearer picture of your choices.
• To study. As you study the scripture. Writing helps you recall what you have learned. It works for subjects other than scripture too.
• To listen. If you are praying about a particular matter in your life, write down what you feel God saying to you. The more time you spend listening and writing what you hear the easier it will get.
• To worship. Write prayers or songs to enhance your worship. There are times when you can write things that you cannot speak.
• To heal. Writing is cathartic. Whether you have experienced a loss of a loved one or have problems that no one but you know about, pouring your heart out can begin the healing process even if no one but you and God ever read it.
• To use your gift. Yes, writing is a gift, whether writing is your job or not. It is a gift to your family and friends. It is a gift that can be passed from generation to generation. It is a gift that others will treasure.

The verse below was written first and foremost about God’s holy word, but I think it is a worthy goal for our writing as well.

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.” (Psalm 102:18) (NIV) Sue