Quite a number of years ago, when I began writing, I was thinking, “Judy Bloom, move over!” But more frequently, what curled from my pen were words of praises to the Lord.

Most stories developed into Sunday School take-home papers. Poetry and devotions found their way into Christian magazines such as Alive Now and Devo’Zine, or into my book, I Will Not Be Silent, Praying the Psalms.

When God pops a few words or phrases into my head, I’d better hurry and write them down somewhere. I have learned to keep pen and paper around at all times. I often need to pull onto the side of the road to write the verses singing in my brain. Even in my “Quiet Times” I am sometimes pulled to jot a word or phrase. Later, they become another poem or devotion.

Expressing my thanks, praise, and concerns to my Lord is no longer just an option.

I encourage any aspiring writer to apply open heart and open mind to an open Bible. Once steeped in the WORD, then …. “Pick up thy pen and write.”