Nourishment for My Writing Life- Carol Harrison

I recently took a train journey with my husband. The travel plans included thoughts about what we would do to nourish our bodies. Since we traveled in the economy class, we needed to pay for all our meals or bring along items that could be eaten cold or things like instant soup and oatmeal that simply required hot water. It took thought and planning in order to travel as economically as possible but still be able to enjoy the journey.

We chose to treat ourselves to a few hot meals prepared by the train's excellent chef but most of our nourishment came from snacks and instant options.

I thought about my life in general and my writing life more specifically. How many times as I travel my journey do I settle for a quick bite rather than the full meal deal where I sit quietly with the Lord? No matter whether a few moments, a remembered verse or a longer time of reading God's Word, I am grateful for the promises of God. I love the fact that He is always there and never changes.

At times writing feels isolated. The negative thoughts of self-doubt and the lies of the enemy haunt me. At other times life is full of challenges that change the direction I need to take and the why of circumstances beyond my control fills my mind.

I cling to verses like Isaiah 41:9b & 10 (NIV)

"You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

and Isaiah 43:1-3a (NIV)
"But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you O Jacob, he who formed you O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour."

No matter where my life journey or my writing travels take me; no matter what the negative voice inside whispers to me; I know that God has a plan and a purpose. He has given the promises in His Word, not just to the children of Israel but to all of us as well. They nourish my soul and come to mind even when all I have time to do is nibble on the Word of God.

As a speaker, published author and storyteller, Carol Harrison is passionate about mentoring people of all ages and abilities to help them find their voice and reach their fullest potential. She shares from her heart, telling stories from real life experiences and God’s Word to encourage people and help them find a glimmer of hope no matter what the circumstances. She believes we need to continuously grow in our walk with God and lives out her storytelling passion by speaking at women’s events and retreats, Bible Camps as well as school assemblies and church events. Carol is a wife, mother of four adult children and grandmother to twelve. She makes her home is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Bunches of Grapes and Sprinkles of Salt– Ramona Heikel

Reviewing the words we have sent out into the world is a great exercise, reminding us of the many ways God touches those around us through our writing. I like Marcia's image of a vineyard that bears fruit and nourishes our readers.

I have not yet had the joy of having a reader contact me to say that my writing has made their life better, and am still at the early stages of having my work published. I feel like I am "sprinkling" more than "bearing clusters of fruit". So I also like the analogy of being salt to the world, sprinkling our words over our societies. 

My words of encouragement and spiritual sustenance have been sprinkled widely, even though most of them did not pay me in dollars and cents. If I only looked at the pieces that were purchased, I would be discouraged. But I hope to encourage any of you who are starting out to consider how God is already using your words to bless his world.

Although not generally considered creative writing, I believe the letters and notes we write on a daily basis are important. Just look how many Paul wrote! I have been an avid letter writer since way back before emails and texting.  This is one of the ways I am encouraged by, and encourage, friends who don't live in my city.  We write mini-sermons to each other!  The letters that I write to the children that I sponsor build a relationship that strengthens their faith. Many of you know what I mean, as you are also sponsors. I know that the children cherish our letters, and that makes me believe they're going to cherish our words and our faith, too.

Some of my first “public” writing was letters to government officials, urging them to promote good practices in education, health and government. I also had opinion pieces published by various newspapers on the sanctity of life and Christian unity. Some of my published articles have honoured a godly woman, suggested fun Bible study activities, and shared the benefits of meeting God at a retreat. I helped people with financial concerns by providing editing services to a Christian website that clarifies God's word on money matters.

All of these little branches are having an effect in the vineyard!  I have shared in an anthology about God's faithfulness to answer prayer, and my characters have appeared in children's magazines praying, counting their blessings and thanking God for his faithfulness.  I hope that the characters in my soon-to-be-published story will inspire teenagers who make a huge mistake to trust in God, who may bring an unexpected blessing.

As a service to my church I wrote and helped perform a puppet show, and also wrote a story that was performed for the children's Christmas program, both of which taught about Jesus. It thrills me to bless the little children!  Although some short stories I've had published are not religious in nature, I have seasoned them with themes of peace-making and the value of family. In my blog posts, I try to include my Christian perspective no matter what the topic.

We can trust in God's power as he uses our words to help others to know him. I look forward to every opportunity he gives to create and sprinkle winsome words around!  He planted the vineyard, and he is the vine. Then he lets us be the branches that have the delight of giving what people want and need—nice, juicy, mouth-watering spiritual nourishment!

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Photo credits:

Ian Britton http://www.freefoto.com/preview/05-27-6/I-am-the-vine Free use license

HolgersFotografie https://pixabay.com/en/spices-thyme-salt-paprika-eat-627182/  Public domain