I’ve sifted through several books on creativity lately, and frankly, some disappoint me. Yet there is one book, according to John Hollandsworth , that “weaves together moving personal experience, sound exposition of Scriptures, and gathered wisdom from other creatives to give us a voice of guidance for a life of Christ-honoring creativity.”
What voice of guidance do we need? For those of us whose life is ‘hid in Christ,’ John says:
* We need a voice of wisdom, from someone who is skilled in the Bible and skilled in people.
* We need a voice of humility, from someone who does not think he is God’s gift to all artists.
* We need a voice of experience, from someone who doesn’t just think about creativity, but has lived it out in his life over decades of creative work.
* And lastly, we need a voice of eloquence, so that what is said penetrates deep into our heart and soul.
This voice is Michael Card. The book is Scribbling in the Sand
For the rest of this outstanding review, read Scribbling in the Sand at Godly Creative People by John Hollandsworth. John not only enjoyed the book, but met Michael Card in person. You’ll love what he discovered…
Read the book already? Share your thoughts!
Memo:
John Hollandsworth’s blog: Light Along the Journey.
Cool place for creatives to hang out: Godly Creative People
To order the book: Scribbling in the Sand
Gina Conroy just announced the Carnival of Christian Writers over at Portrait of a Writer Interrupted. Gina will host this new event on the last Monday of each month.
* Your post must be related to writing.
* Please check out the writing guidelines on host’s sidebar.
* Deadline is the LAST Saturday of each month.
Please write a one to two sentence blurb about your post, including your name, link to your blog, and the permalink to the actual blog post you’re submitting to the Carnival. Email it to Gina: Portraitwriter@gmail.com.
Okay, spread the word! It would be great to have writers from all genres and levels of experience participating in this new carnival. Looking foward to it, Gina!
In her book, Writing As a Way of Healing, Louise DeSalvo shares four ways to avoid self-defeating scenarios with our writing:
First, it is essential that we write regularly in a relaxed way. That we don’t fight our process or try to force or control it.
Second, it is essential that we watch with a relaxed awareness what occurs as we write.
Third, it is essential that we don’t judge ourselves or our work. That we write to create or, in time, to finish a piece of work but without expectation of the wealth or fame that such writing may bring.
Fourth, it is essential that we be patient. That we write routinely. But that we don’t hurry our work.
The writing process by itself is valuable, DeSalvo reminds us. If we just respect that process, “something worthwhile will emerge.”
“Instead of laying down a list of expectations of what your life should be, you can participate in the ongoing discovery of what God has designed your life to be.”
“When something beautiful strikes your eye, stop and gaze at it. Let it overwhelm your spirit and comfort your restless heart.”
“The unique, one-of-a-kind canvas of our existence is meant to be an inspiration to others—a true joy to behold and a heaven-sent blessing to those we meet and to the world around us. Paint your own life’s painting with the radiant colors of joy, peace, and the caring of your heavenly Father.”
“I believe that catching a vision for simplicity is the vital prerequisite for dealing with the storms of life, for exiting the fast lane and for changing our lives for the better.”
“I realized that my life and my talent are gifts, and they have been given to me for the purpose of helping others. So what I wanted to do as a painter was not just to express myself, but to create pictures that encouraged people, that brought them a sense of peace and joy, that inspired them to catch a vision for a better life.”
“Creative living at its best involves a rhythm of intense work and not-so-intense work, of times when you do something new and times when you simply enjoy a routine. It involves a balanced mix of the mental and the spiritual and the physical.”
Important thoughts to ponder from Acts, by Larry Woiwode:
“Some readers by now are looking for my theory of the way to produce Christian art or write Christian fiction, since theories are what people believe govern the world. They don’t, and I have none. I am working out my aesthetics (and perhaps salvation) with each book—with this one—and each book poses unique problems. But I can assure you that you will not begin to form your own aesthetics or way or writing unless you first belong to a church that teaches you fellowship and unity within Christ, and then begin to see writing as your daily humble job within that community. . . .
“The time has come for Christian artists in their communities to begin building that City on a hill again, and I hope that one young student, or even a middle-aged one, will understand what I’m saying and perhaps at this moment sense the stirrings or a first novel. If that student takes scripture seriously, he should know that the more he immerses himself in a particular communion and comes to understand the ways in which each person within it is essential, the more distinctive and original his writing will be. And I hope that some young woman has begun to visualize her lifework, a shining series of interlocking narratives that will provide the material to repair some of the buildings of the centuries-old tradition of Christian writing. These were left unfinished when the writers of my generation turned aside to imitate our culture rather than turning first to the community that always should be available in Christ.”
Larry Woiwode, Acts (Harper Collins, 1993), pp. 74, 75-76.
HT: Justin at Between Two Worlds
“Pray that He’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with His own energy so that it all amounts to something.”
~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11, The Message
“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” ~ Galatians 6:4, The Message
“Anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure.” ~ Galatians 3:10, The Message
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” ~ James 3:17, NIV
How can we as Christian writers show our readers that the Gospel is relevant to their needs today? As people continue to struggle with addictions, brokenness, and world turmoil, our words need to make a difference. Marlene Bagnull, author of Write His Answer, shares nine ways to write and speak effectively to people with needs:
1. Avoid pat, simplistic answers to complex and serious problems.
2. Guard against a critical, judgmental attitude.
3. Don’t lay guilt trips on your readers.
4. Be sensitive to needs and feelings.
5. Be passionate but guard against being opinionated.
6. Refuse to get drawn into foolish arguments.
7. Be careful, and prayerful, to build up rather than tear down.
8. Don’t compromise the truth, but also don’t force it on others.
9. Always remember the need for love and compassion.
Marlene’s book goes into greater depth in all areas, making Write His Answer
Thank you, Marlene, for fanning the writing flame, and for pointing us to God as our Source. May our words touch hearts and renew hope in a turbulent world.
To order this book, see Write His Answer
“…you will need to remind yourself that as Christian authors, we are mediators between God’s help and man’s hurt.” ~ Ethel Herr, An Introduction to Christian Writing
In The Making of a Writer, Sherwood Eliot Wirt quotes Thomas de Quincey’s three categories of writing:
*the literature of irrelevance
*the literature of knowledge
*the literature of power
Most of us agree that our bookstores are bulging with the literature of irrelevance. We also have a good deal of the ‘literature of knowledge’ which teaches and appeals to the mind. “But the literature of power is not just cognitive, it is causal; its function is to move,” Wirt explains. What we write “has to do things to people, to motivate them.”
Martin Luther said, “Oh, it is a living, creative, active, mighty thing, this faith!” And we should look at great Christian writing much the same way, Wirt tells us. While our writing may be beautiful, entertaining, and/or rich in style, it is also the literature of power.
Sherwood Wirt’s little book was published nearly 20 years ago, but his words are just as true today. “A true professional learns both from his peers and his competitors.” The difference between great literature as the world recognizes it and great Christian literature, has nothing to do with religious phrases or mere descriptive writing, but writing that motivates and pierces the heart with truth.
Maybe, to borrow from Kipling, we should write in such a way as to walk with the commoners, yet not lose the kingly touch.
But please, one more quote from Sherwood Wirt’s book:
“Remember this: God did commit to us the saving message of the gospel. We are not religious hacks trying to milk the public with a special brand of esoteric teaching. We may be vessels of mud, but we are commissioned to carry the divine treasure. That commission is what makes us servants of truth and stewards of the mysteries of grace. At the very least it ought to make us readable writers.”
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:2, ESV
LifeWay Christian Stores, one of the world’s largest providers of Christian books and materials, removed several books from its online bookstore inventory recently. Why? According to Bud Press, director of Christian Research Service, “Both online and walk-in Christian bookstores need to take a serious look at what they are offering to the body of Christ, and jealously guard the spiritual welfare of their customers. Those who are knowingly compromising need to repent and return to the One they claim to represent…Jesus Christ.”
Apparently, the removal of 14 books in question followed the outcry of customers, as well as convicting documention by Christian Research Service and Lighthouse Trails Research, which called these books into question. Lighthouse Trails had this to say:
“It is the hope of many that Lifeway’s quick removal of 14 books last week will just be the beginning. With countless believers trusting them to carry books that truly glorify Jesus Christ and edify the body of Christ, it is vital that Lifeway Stores and other Christian book outlets remain true to their calling. If a store or book outlet represents itself as Christian, it is important that this representation is upheld. It is our prayer and sincere hope that this will happen. And we believe that if Christian bookstore managers and owners will take a little time to study the New Age and contemplative spirituality, they will see that these belief systems cannot fit in the category of Christian.”
My personal thanks to LifeWay for responding so promptly. Now, if only others would do the same.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8).
The 14 books in question
How Lifeway handled the complaints
Christian Research Service
LifeWay Christian Stores
Lifeway Removes Books on Mysticism & Other Eastern Practices
More info from the Lighthouse blog
Lighthouse Trails Research
Godly Creative People invites you to name their new literary and arts magazine, scheduled to launch January 2007! One lucky winner will receive a free lifetime enhanced hosting account with eChristian Web Hosting and have his or her art featured in the first edition of the magazine.
Contest begins: Monday, September 4, 2006
Contest ends: Monday, October 2, 2006
Winner Announced: Monday, October 16, 2006
Eligibility:
Contest is open to all GCP members 18 years of age and older. Individuals who have registered on the main site and forums are considered members of GCP. Current GCP authors and their families are NOT eligible to enter.
Submission Guidelines:
GCP will launch its new literary and arts magazine January 1, 2007. The mission of the magazine is to teach, encourage, and strengthen artists in their pursuits of creative success, while honoring God in the process. The magazine will provide creative inspiration, practical tools and resources, and timely, relevant articles that inspire artistic and spiritual growth. The title for GCP’s ezine should:
*Reflect the mission of GCP
*Target the GCP audience
*Grab the reader’s attention
*Create a clear, concise, and compelling image
*Consist of no more than 4 words
*Reflect original, creative thought
*Entries will be judged on the criteria listed in items 1 through 6 above.
Submit your entries using the form. Please be sure to include your complete name, email, and website URL, if applicable, with your entry.
The PRIZE:
A FREE LIFETIME ENHANCED hosting account with eChristian Web Hosting!
For further details and entry form, see the Contest Rules page.
