November 03, 2011

Trust and Press On - Janis Cox


I hate staring at a blank sheet of paper – whether for writing or painting. It is intimidating.

When I haven’t been inspired with any idea just the thought of making a mark on that paper can cause procrastination.

Today in my watercolour art class, after I had put the finishing touches on a test painting for a children’s book, I didn’t know what to do next. I felt lost.









My instructor suggested I try a four stroke painting. The idea is to only make four brush strokes on a page, with four colours. Sometimes this frees up the mind as there is no structure. So I tried it. I didn’t accomplish much of a painting but it might be of use sometime as a background for an idea.











Knowing that I had to write for Inscribe for November 3 put me in a similar position. The topic this month is writing. What could I write about writing?

Usually I write about prayer, or a devotional based on a Scripture I have read. But to write about writing – that became a blank page and I procrastinated.

Until I remembered my art teacher – who said, “just paint”. So I thought I would, “just write”.

Sometimes writing is therapy for me. Certainly when I write in my daily morning journal it clears my head – gets rid of everything on my mind – so I can concentrate on my Bible study lesson.

Other times I write because God has given me something to say. I need to put those thoughts down on paper for myself and possibly for others to be clearer in God’s Word.

And there are times when I just want to make something up – a fiction story – because I feel like it.

What I have to remember during all those times is not to stress about it. Every time I pray for inspiration – God comes through. He is the “author”, not only of my faith but of my life. I can trust in Him to help me with everything I attempt – watercolour, writing and even a new pursuit – tap dancing.

My new way of thinking is to just “do it”. Trust in Him and then press on.



9 comments:

  1. Great advice! I'd say amen to that.Trust the Lord and press on in His stregth. Enjoyed readin your posting. Good luck with your tap dancing!

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  2. Enjoyed your posting.... Yes... let's just 'do it'.

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  3. "Just do it" works great for getting us started when we're blocked. Thanks for the reminder of that and of the Source of our words.

    And I love the turtle painting!

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  4. Yes, yes, yes! This is such a wonderful form of therapy (actually either the 'just paint' or the 'just write' suggestions!) I love it

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  5. Thanks for your enthusiasm. Truly when I had to write for Thursday and it was Wednesday morning - I literally gasped... then I remembered He who always gives me ideas and keeps me calm. So after a prayer I just started to write and this is what came out. Too funny.
    Blessings,
    Jan

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  6. Good inspiration well said. Thanks for this, Jan

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  7. I love the way ideas 'flow' like blessings...lovely thoughts and reassurance that we have all 'been there and done that!' x

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  8. Jan, have you been sneaking into my mind and listening to my thoughts? Or did you overhear 3 conversations I had this weekend where I was telling people the same thing as what you wrote? I too, ended up just giving up on getting a brilliant idea, and starting to write. Thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone.

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  9. Anonymous6:17 am GMT-7

    Thanks Sharon, Glynis and Ramona,
    Not only do we need to just do it - we need to encourage each other to do it.
    As we hear Him speak - let us rise up and do what we hear.
    Blessings,
    Jan

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