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.

Writing to Mend Broken Vessels by Sharon Espeseth

Free photo with Scripture Verse

I am an earthen vessel. I didn't notice the cracks when they were smaller. . . Right now, the clay pot that is my life feels broken.

Normally, I write about how I am feeling. I write about the joys and sorrows of the day. My writing helps to keep me healthy--mentally, physically and spiritually. I write to mend my soul and spirit. This time I felt so poorly I couldn't write.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

My writing fingers are becoming untied. The healing process begins, but this time I suspect the journey may be longer. Different symptoms. Other illness(es) so far undiagnosed? I do not know.

Below is some of the writing that got me writing again. I am humbled to publish this, polished or not. The asterisks indicate where parts have been omitted to spare you the reading.


"Hello, Darkness!
my old nemesis.
I should have heard you whisper
in my good, but aching ear:
"I am darkness your old friend,
I've come to bother you again.'

"Humph! I thought you were ignoring me
with your thankful-to-God ways."

"How could I ignore the migraine,
or the pain of skin, scalp and muscles
on the left side crying in pain
from the slightest touch?"


                      * * *


"Six weeks I've been ill.
One day I was well, functioning,
Carrying on with normal tasks.
Then, as if attacked from behind,
I had headache, earache, fatigue,
nausea, dizziness, vomiting."

"I did get your attention!
I am Darkness, your old friend.
I've come to talk with you again."

"You are not my friend!
You, Darkness, are making me sick.
I don't want to talk with you!"

"May I remind you.
Nothing happened "out of the blue."

I've been following you for years.
Downsizing. Selling the home you loved.
Packing moving--not once,
But three times in three years!"

"Landlord #1 wanted too much lordship.
All we wanted was our own space
where we could carve out a comfortable home
for our family and friends.
Instead this became a discomfort zone
Where my husband would become ill.

                     * * *
"Don't you remember?
Life wasn't the same after that.
Yes, you moved again,
But life would never go back to the way it was.
Did you take time to grieve the loss of life
As you had known it?"

                      * * *

"Place #2 and then Place #3 appeared.
We saw an ad in the local paper.


"Would it hurt to look? We actually liked it
It has character. A small raised garden.
Room for the kids and grand ones to stay over.
Our adult kids helped us move. Again.
Pack. Move. Unpack. Settle in. Repeat."


"You sound defensive, my dear.
What about your almost-twin sister, Joan?
Her years of Alzheimer's--you suffered with her.
She moved to a residence.
She was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer.
You suffered with her."

                         * * *

"So joyful was I for her that I didn't acknowledge
how much I would miss her. Three years later,
when depression strikes again, I realize her loss
all the more.
Until we meet again, Joan."


My story may help others realize they are not alone in their suffering, be it depression, loss of one kind or another, or pain, but that is not my job. God can work through my physical or mental weakness, my weakness of faith, my sorrow when I share my story and leave it in His hands. If God can use my story for mending one other person, the glory is His. I may never know. Nor do I need to know.

"But God choses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NIV

For some time, I have appreciated the hymn Earthen Vessels by John Foley, 1975.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAZhIw49ULc

Free photo with Scripture verse

This is a good place for me to conclude my story about "writing as mending." I had original planned to write this for May 10th, but I was not ready to write anything at that time. I pray that God will continue to shine His light on my darkness and on any darkness you may have as well, my readers.

Doing Your Creative Best by Karma Pratt

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message) 

I cut these verses out of a pamphlet for a weekend retreat over four years ago and have carried them with me ever since. The Message translation really stood out to me and these verses have guided me as I've traveled the writer's path. 

As Christian writers, we are on call to write the words God gives us in whatever form they may take. This is why it's so important to "make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given..." It takes time to dig deep into the calling on your life. It takes time and dedication. You must commit your life to God, asking Him for clarity, wisdom and discernment. If you are called to create as a writer, God will guide your steps. You, in turn, have to continue taking the next right step as you go. 

The next right step, according to Galatians 6:4 is to "sink yourself into that" (aka the work you've been given). Walking out our faith as writers can take the form of pen to paper, stylus to tablet, or keyboard to screen. No matter what tool you choose, know that you honour God every time you practice your craft. 

The next two sentences just wreck me every time I think of them. 

"Don't be impressed with yourself." In other words, stay humble. There's no need to get big-headed. It's God working in you, not the other way around. Your value as a writer is not determined by numbers of books sold, or amount of engagement on your platform. It's not about you and that's okay. That's exactly as it should be. 

Along that vein, it's not about anyone else either. We are told to not compare ourselves with others. The comparison trap can create doubts in our hearts and minds. We can succumb to the lie that we don't measure up, or that we somehow don't have anything worth contributing. Here's the truth: God gave you a gift and lit a spark inside of you that only you can fan into flame. Your unique experiences have helped shape your writing. It's not necessary to worry about what others may or may not be writing about. Your words are exactly what God wants you to dedicate yourself to.

"Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

We are called to partner with God in this life, to walk with Him on our journey. The Holy Spirit moves in and through us to guide our creative endeavors. It's up to us to give our best everyday. When we pour out the gifts we've been given, we honour God, and allow Him to multiply our efforts.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

***

Karma writes from the golden house in Northeastern BC. You can connect with her online at redraincoatcreations.com

When a Believer Hides from God by Kimberly Dawn Rempel

Sometimes I don't want to talk to God. Mostly, it's when I suddenly glimpse all the junk that still lurks in me after all this walking with Him. "You mean I'm not holy yet?!"  

Once in a while, I get real tired of missing the mark all the time, you know? How can I work so hard to please my Father and still be in a completely desperate state of needing Him. Will I ever get it right? Can I do NOTHING?!  Scripture says we can do nothing apart from Him, so why on earth do I ever expect to? Pride I guess. Wanting to be good on my own, without His help.

... sounds alot like a two year old. "No! I DO IT!!!"

But, it happens. I get discouraged. I hide myself in movies, shopping, overeating... anything to keep from thinking about how short I fall.

And He lets me, loving Father that He is. He lets me walk away, taking His blessings with me. Even if I end up going quite insane and find myself inexplicably chin deep in a pig pen, He lets me. 

But, when I've had enough of the guilt and hopelessness, he also lets me come back. Finally I become ready to show my ugly self to Him (the ugliness was only ever a surprise to me), and allow Him to fix me. 

I still don't really feel like reading or praying. I'm not happy or relieved. I'm desperate and dirty and so very dependant on Him to help me. So I tell Him my feelings, and show Him my dirt. 

And do you know how He responds? 

"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline,

and don't give up when he corrects you. 

For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." (Hebrews 12:5,6)

I love that. He knows how much we want to give up when He corrects us. It feels near hopeless when He shows me how wrong I am - how I'm missing the mark. I want to hear 'well done', not 'okay, here's your sin...' But He loves me enough to do it. 

And He continues to reassure me:

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful! 

But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living 

for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:11)

He gets it. He knows this is hard for us, and He's right there with empathy, reassurance and even a promise, setting joy before us so we can endure the now. 

But it's not just for us. There's an assignment to accomplish for the benefit of others:

"So take a new grip with your tired hands 

and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a 

straight path for your feet so that those who 

are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." 

(Hebrews 12:12,13)

And we can please God and serve Him by the power of Jesus Christ. This book closes with a blessing the author prays over the church. I hope it strengthens and encourages you too. 

"Now may the God of peace - 

who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, 

the great Shepherd of the sheep, 

and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood - 

may he equip you with all you need

for doing his will. 

May he produce in you

through the power of Jesus Christ, 

every good thing that is pleasing to him. 

All glory to him forever and ever! Amen."

(Hebrews 12:20,21)

*This post was originally published at From The Heart Online

Kimberly Dawn Rempel helps authors and entrepreneurs build their business and their faith through 1:1 coaching, editing, and book marketing.  Click here to Download her free guide, 14 Ways to Leverage Your Book  or join her Facebook Group, Marketing-Savvy Authorpreneurs HERE.