Cheryl Wolverton addresses writer’s block, burn-out, and the “dry well syndrome” in her new article at Spirit-Led Writer. It’s called Avoiding Burnout: Get Your Priorities Straight:
“We’ve all had it at one time or another. Many, however have no idea where burnout comes from, how to cope with it, or how to avoid it. While you might not always be able to avoid it, there are ways to recognize what brings it on and to halt it before it has you wringing your hands in dismay and burning your husband’s supper.”
Cheryl offers helpful insight on balanced priorities.
Read her entire article at: Spirit-Led Writer
The faith-writer trusts God for life, not just for writing.
“Immaturity considers the Lord Jesus as a helper. Maturity knows Him to be life itself,” writes Miles J. Stanford, in Principles for Spiritual Growth.
Something to ponder this Sunday.
“We must continually keep our soul open to the fact of God’s creative purpose, and never confuse or cloud it with our own intentions. If we do, God will have to force our intentions aside no matter how much it many hurt.” ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Author Randy Alcorn reminds us to pray for Virginia Tech:
“It has been over a week since the tragic killing of 32 people at Virginia Tech, but those affected need our continued prayers. Dave Broadwell, a Campus Crusade staff member at Virginia Tech, and Mark Gauthier, U.S. National Campus Director of Campus Crusade, suggest some specific ways people can pray for those involved:
• Pray that the students don’t isolate themselves. In times like this, it is a natural thing to do, but it is not helpful for them in the long run.
• Please pray that the students talk things through with their friends.
• Pray for the families of the professors who were killed or injured. Several were parents.
• Please pray for the Virginia Tech Campus Crusade staff team—they are very tired and drained. Pray for God to refresh and strengthen them, for protection for their families, and for wisdom.
• And finally, please pray for the spread of the Gospel on the campus.
Thank you, friends.
Resources:
How Could A Good God Allow Evil and Suffering?
Updates from Campus Crusade for Christ on Virginia Tech tragedy
Where is God? by John Piper
“For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.” ~ Job 32:18-20
While I don’t always agree 100% with the nuances of certain books on creativity, Janice Elsheimer’s book, The Creative Call, probes, inspires, and makes me think. For instance:
“Our gifts are not from God to us, but from God through us to the world. When we fail to use these gifts, we suffer the same way a person accustomed to regular physical activity may feel pent up, out of sorts, and off-balance after going for several days without exercise.”
Elsheimer says if we neglect to develop and use the talents God gives us, we feel “incomplete, unfulfilled, unfinished, even depressed.”
I especially appreciated this:
“We will find the artist God intends us to be when we empty ourselves of self and become open to His plan and to the inspiration of His Holy Spirit.”
Elsheimer challenges us to do four things:
* learn to call on the Holy Spirit as our source of inspiration
* exercise our artistic gift regularly and think of ourselves as artists
* develop the habit of journaling as a way to recognize the things that have kept us blocked.
* have a richer, deeper prayer life and a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Amen.
More wisdom from Marlene Bagnull, from Write His Answer:
“There is always a danger that the very nature of our work as writers will cause us to become hermits. It takes time to write, but sometimes we spend too much time writing. Our lives get out of balance. We need to remember that our words will become glib and empty if we lose touch with people and their needs.”
Marlene reminds us to give priority to prayer and God’s Word, seek Him for our writing vision, yet stay in touch with people and their needs.
