Monday, May 13, 2013

Creative Best Series: Three


Annette M. Irby
Good Monday, friends! We've been studying Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message Bible this month to see how the Scripture applies to  us as writers. Looking for some encouragement? Read on, dear writer!

Today let’s look at the next phrase: 

"Make a careful exploration of who you are
and the work you have been given . . .”

Did you know God created you to “walk in good works?” (see Ephesians 2:10) Before you were born, He had a lifetime of activities mapped out for you to participate in. These are ways you would glorify Him.

Remember the time you helped the homeless person by offering a few dollars, or giving him a lift? Remember the time you hugged the toddler who skinned her knee on the playground? Or the time you mowed the widow’s lawn? All of those were “good works” God invited you to participate in.

Your writing life is the same. You have been called, invited, to participate with God in His calling on your life. Who knew Wm. Paul Young would write a bestseller that would touch millions and bring glory to God? God did. Who knew your favorite author would put together just the right story, words, themes that would touch your life and inspire you? God did.

And He has books for you to write that will glorify Him while drawing people to Him. That’s the work we’ve been given. Beautiful isn’t it?

Here’s the best part: You get to enjoy the journey and God enjoys you in it. Let’s me explain.

In the movie Chariots of Fire, missionary Eric Liddell tries to comfort his anxious sister. She’s concerned he’s not fulfilling his calling as a missionary to China. He’s concerned about not fulfilling all of his callings—and one of them is to run. He tells her:

“I believe God made me for a purpose. For China, yes. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Eric was doing what God created for Him to do. Are you? When you do, you’ll feel His pleasure.

Isn’t it amazing to share with the Creator of the universe in crafting a story that can change lives, or writing a non-fiction book in a creative way that will also affect people’s steps?

What a gift! What a calling! A privilege. A pleasure.

As you sit at your computer today, give yourself permission to explore your work, the work you’ve been given. ENJOY writing! Enjoy the journey of your calling, or walking out the work you’ve been given to do.

Be your creative best!
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Husband Material
Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr. Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it. Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?




This series first appeared on Seriously Write in 2009. 

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1,000th Post and Survey Link

fireworks
We just celebrated our 1,000th post at Seriously Write! We’re always looking for guests and topic ideas. So, we’ve come up with a quick survey to help us help you. Please a moment to fill this out. (Feel free to select as many as you wish in each section.) We’d also love to hear from your writing friends, so feel free to pass along the link.