The Consecrated Pen

The Consecrated Pen

As a Christian writer, I am always looking for even a glimpse of motivation. Whether in the form of a blessing, hymn, or homily, I cling to joyful words in the hopes of brilliant inspiration as my fingers lay upon the keyboard.  Sometimes, I am graced with inspiration in the strangest places, one of which was in a little store in Amish Country.

While on an overnight trip to visit the shops and farms of the Ohio Amish Valley, I stumbled upon a hidden gem. The Consecrated Pen: Inspiration for the Christian Writer by Susannah Rose Dorfsmith, sat in the most inconspicuous place, on a shelf beneath a row of candles.  I would expect to find a book of this type, or any type for that matter, nestled between other books or magazines.  Luckily for me, I was in a candle-sniffing mood that day.

It wasn’t the title that got my attention, but rather the simplicity of the visual, a writer’s grip, pen in hand, resting comfortably on a notepad. Amish towns offer a simplistic charm that entices me, and the cover of this book did the same. I knew I would purchase the book even before I picked it up, just because of the way it made me feel in that graced moment.  However, to appease my inquiring mind, I quickly peered at the contents and instantly received confirmation that this was God-sent.

At the time of this trip, I was on the verge of sending off my first manuscript to various publishers, so it was no surprise that I opened the section, “Season of Suspense.” The first two lines read, “So your manuscript is finally on its way to a publisher. What once consumed your time and filled your hands to overflowing is completed.” This line spoke to my exact season.

Another incredible find in the book was a picture of butterflies on the adjacent page which validated my certainty that God sent me this book. I have a special love of butterflies, and my first book, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Story, is the story of a caterpillar who learns of God’s transformative power. Along with fluttering butterflies on the page, my eyes beheld a simple yet powerful poem.

A HOLY PURPOSE
No longer, Lord, a thing of mine
Is this, “my work.”
I give it up to be
In its entirety
A thing forevermore all Thine.
Though small and weak and poor, it will
Belong to Thee.
Oh, send it forth, I pray,
And use it in Thy way –
A holy purpose to fulfill.

In that instant, the line that struck me most was the first one. “No longer, Lord, a thing of mine.” Something calming and inviting happened within me as I realized that I had given over my project to God simply by reciting that poem. As a Christian Writer, my vision from the beginning was that my writings are to be a resource others would use to strengthen their relationship with God and fall in love with their faith. The Consecrated Pen, and Dorfsmith’s inspirational moments, have done the very same in me.

Dorfsmith gives the reader brief but meaningful inspirational quotes, scripture references, poems, and reflections in this beautiful writer’s resource. The back cover blurb promises that the writer is sure to find themselves renewed with zeal and eagerness and ready to use their talent for the glory of God, and I can attest to that!

This book gives the appearance of being simple, yet it is packed with brilliance. It is best left up to the individual writer regarding how to use this valuable resource. As for me, I have it on my writing desk at all times. I have picked out a few of my favorite scripture passages and poems to pray over my work. I have even combined a few of them and adapted specific prayers. There are those I pray with when sending my work for review, and others simply for God’s Glory to be revealed within the words on the page.

Dorfsmith also gifts the author with poems and quotes from other writers. Making this resource a one-stop shop for writer’s prompts, musings, and heartfelt inspirations.

“…The more we sit at His feet and watch to see what He has to say to ourselves,
 the more we shall have to tell others.”
Frances Ridley Havergal

The Carlisle Press published the Consecrated Pen in 2014, and I have found limited quantities available.  However, I found it at Kingdomwriting.com for $3.99, and I suggest you get your copy today!  

Copyright 2023 Kimberly Novak
Image Copyright Carlisle Press