God enriches us with gifts so we can make Him known. I have to believe if He calls me to do something He enables me to do it. As a result, my goal is for readers to see God rather than me.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” ~~I Peter 4:10
So why does a singer sing, a musician play, an artist paint or sculpt, or an author write?
We’re called, or created to do so.
And it’s a high calling that carries responsibility. We’re representing our divine Creator, the Creator of the world and all living creatures.
“Whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. “~~I Peter 4:11
What does it mean to be creative? It’s an overflow of what’s inside, deep within our hearts, minds, even our souls, as an expression of gratitude. We’re meant to be thankful to be alive.
But this creativity is not about us, it’s about obedience and doing what we’re meant to do.
“My heart overflows with a beautiful theme … my tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.” ~~Psalm 45:1 In response to that verse, some days I honestly say, “Oh, I wish.”
Ideas can come like a shot out of nowhere. Other times, ideas brew for a long time before they mesh. And often for thoughts of expression to come to fruition, I need to be alone.
Contemplating solitude, and concentrating on quiet rather than hectic do-do-do reminds me of where I was when I first felt compelled to write. I spent a lot of time outside with pen and paper, in touch with my thoughts and open to the nudging of the Spirit.
Speaking of the Spirit, Brenda Ueland wrote a wonderful book on the creative arts, If You Want to Write. She even penned a preface to the second edition when she was 91. Ueland believed that everyone has original talent. She claimed that creative power is the Holy Ghost (page 10). I’ll say creativity is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
But doesn’t our inspiration have to come from Someone greater than ourselves?
However, I’m not always listening to that still small Voice as I’m doing other things. There are more demands on anyone’s time (dare I mention electronic devices here?), than I could have imagined even ten years ago. I always have a to-do list. And sometimes I work so hard at writing that my brain hurts.
Those are the times I have to push myself out of the way. So I go somewhere quiet and spend time in the Word. I allow myself to be filled, and then let it pour out. From my heart to the reader, attempting to bring glory and honor to my God.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” ~~I Peter 4:10
So why does a singer sing, a musician play, an artist paint or sculpt, or an author write?
We’re called, or created to do so.
And it’s a high calling that carries responsibility. We’re representing our divine Creator, the Creator of the world and all living creatures.
“Whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. “~~I Peter 4:11
What does it mean to be creative? It’s an overflow of what’s inside, deep within our hearts, minds, even our souls, as an expression of gratitude. We’re meant to be thankful to be alive.
But this creativity is not about us, it’s about obedience and doing what we’re meant to do.
“My heart overflows with a beautiful theme … my tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.” ~~Psalm 45:1 In response to that verse, some days I honestly say, “Oh, I wish.”
Ideas can come like a shot out of nowhere. Other times, ideas brew for a long time before they mesh. And often for thoughts of expression to come to fruition, I need to be alone.
Contemplating solitude, and concentrating on quiet rather than hectic do-do-do reminds me of where I was when I first felt compelled to write. I spent a lot of time outside with pen and paper, in touch with my thoughts and open to the nudging of the Spirit.
Speaking of the Spirit, Brenda Ueland wrote a wonderful book on the creative arts, If You Want to Write. She even penned a preface to the second edition when she was 91. Ueland believed that everyone has original talent. She claimed that creative power is the Holy Ghost (page 10). I’ll say creativity is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
But doesn’t our inspiration have to come from Someone greater than ourselves?
However, I’m not always listening to that still small Voice as I’m doing other things. There are more demands on anyone’s time (dare I mention electronic devices here?), than I could have imagined even ten years ago. I always have a to-do list. And sometimes I work so hard at writing that my brain hurts.
Those are the times I have to push myself out of the way. So I go somewhere quiet and spend time in the Word. I allow myself to be filled, and then let it pour out. From my heart to the reader, attempting to bring glory and honor to my God.
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Heart Song
My Lord knows
Workings of the heart
My Lord cried
With compassion
A broken heart
Drags down the soul
A cheerful heart
Is God’s medicine
Joy flows inside-out
Shining eyes, a smile
Joy is a way of life
To God be the glory.
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Heart Song
My Lord knows
Workings of the heart
My Lord cried
With compassion
A broken heart
Drags down the soul
A cheerful heart
Is God’s medicine
Joy flows inside-out
Shining eyes, a smile
Joy is a way of life
To God be the glory.
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