I started on Friday. Wrote one page on Friday. Wrote one page all crunched together, so decided to space it out a little more and wrote three pages the next 3 days. I struggle with isolation and from not hearing from my kids.
This reminded me that my sign (Pisces) aligns with me liking solitude. I am also sensitive and artistic, wise, compassionate. It reminds me that I am who I am. God gave me lonely times in my youth and it was hard to connect to people. But as I have grown older, I find it easier to connect with people. It is easier to remember that I also did not always call my mom or let her know where I am and it is important to let your kids be free to become who they are meant to become because of God's design.
It is hard for a mother to let go and become her own person, especially when she has raised kids since she was 19. My creativity will be my child. It is slowly developing but I am taking chances, learning new things, and learning to be kind to others again.
This resonates with me, as mothers we tend to pour our creativity into teaching them and helping them figure out their own gifts and when they fly the nest it really does leave you feeling a bit lost and it's a huge adjustment. I remember walking past their empty rooms and having some private crying sessions. I think it's ok because it's a bit of a form of mourning really. Knowing they will never be little again, but then we adjust and embrace the adults they become. Always on my knees asking God to watch over them and help them make wise decisions. We just need to pray for them and let them know we are there if they need us but also remembering,as you said, we didn't call or check in as often as our parents may have liked either.
Thank you, this resonates with me too. Being an only child from a single mother, I never had a large family. I always wanted one and I have never had my boys embrace spending time with their mother. It is hard although learning to do other things with my time now. The time I never had before.
Lamentations 3:22-23. It states, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (ESV).
EKO, I won't pretend I don't know what you mean by the "Accuser" speaking to you. During my more orthodox Christian years, I experienced that as well. Over these many years since those days, until you just wrote those words, I suddenly realized I had never experienced that again. What do you make of that? As I reflect back on those days, transitioning out of traditional Christianity, some of my changes involved observing my own thinking. I began rejecting certain concepts intentionally. I started consistently rejecting thoughts that said, "I should do, or be this or that. I also began to wholesale reject fear in all its forms. What this did for me internally was simply better mental health and a more positive attitude toward most everything.
I've always believed the saying that God gives you gifts and what you do with those gifts are your gift to him. I have always tried to exercise my creativity, I believe the lie that Satan puts out is that you have to be " successful" or your a failure. And that stops most people in their tracks. I've realized that it doesn't matter as long as you are doing what you were made for just enjoy those gifts and let God use them wherever he sees fit. My husband and I love music and in our youth and again after our children were grown, we played our own songs in clubs and events. My husband played in the worship team at a little church we were part of while our kids were young. We had so much fun doing it until we didn't feel like doing it anymore. I have always loved to cook and wanted to have a small restaurant of our own. God brought that dream to realty not long ago, and it wasn't because we had tons of money in the bank. We won't be rich from it, we just have joy doing the work God made us to do. It doesn't feel like work, it's using my gift of cooking to nourish peoples bellys and hopefully their souls. I believe if you're doing what you're made to do he makes the way. When you start to understand deep down where your true beliefs lie, that you are his delight and joy, and he becomes your true delight and joy, there is really nothing stopping you. I also enjoy writing. I recently found a tub of writings I did as a teenager and young adult. A few of the stories were actually pretty good and I'm thinking about finding a way to submit them to publish them. Not because Im trying to be a blockbuster selling author but just because, why not? Satan tries to stop us from creating but if we do then he tries to stop us with fear of failure and fear of ridicule. If someone doesn't like what you made who cares? If what you did honors God that's all that matters. So yes I emphatically agree with what you're saying. Create, live your life full out in the safety of God's love. Jesus came that we would have life and have it abundantly. Live that way.
I forgot. My morning starts out early with my 13 year old dog wanting to go out, then I have to cook her breakfast. Tomorrow, I will go back into my room and do the writing before the rest of life gets in the way
Thanks for the encouragement, EKO. I've never been a writer but I have so many thoughts, ideas, etc swirling around in my head. Probably would be a good idea, and maybe clear my head, if I start jotting them down.
I love what others have said about creativity... God made us in His image. Indeed! I make quilts and I crochet and often I push those things to the end of the to-do list. I've been working at prioritizing them... And letting other things go. A work in progress...
When I was doing commercial art and copy for advertising in the 1970s and 80s, I always found that first I needed to go through the cliche's and bad images before I got to making good images and writing. I think that is what you are doing in your Morning Work, too. I am sure as you write your books a similar process occurs. You toss the bad, refine the OK, and edit into the good, and bring about the style of writing that makes us pay attention and put us in the "headspace" or mood we feel as we read.
I read a book in the 1970s titled "A Child's Garden Of Grass" where the author decided to put down thoughts he had while in bed. He had a profound thought that he had to write down. He woke up the next morning and went to read it. It said "There is a funny smell in the room." It was probably a truth, but not every truth is profound.
So synchronous - I woke up this morning and was writing about what you call the Accuser, (I call it the mean voice) which I have been noticing and calling out the past few days, and realized that when I'm engaged in any creative activity, that voice is silent. I hadn't read your posts about morning pages. It's a good practice. I did it 30 years ago when The Artist's Way came out. I'm reviving it now. Thank you! and for all the comments too.
I started on Friday. Wrote one page on Friday. Wrote one page all crunched together, so decided to space it out a little more and wrote three pages the next 3 days. I struggle with isolation and from not hearing from my kids.
This reminded me that my sign (Pisces) aligns with me liking solitude. I am also sensitive and artistic, wise, compassionate. It reminds me that I am who I am. God gave me lonely times in my youth and it was hard to connect to people. But as I have grown older, I find it easier to connect with people. It is easier to remember that I also did not always call my mom or let her know where I am and it is important to let your kids be free to become who they are meant to become because of God's design.
It is hard for a mother to let go and become her own person, especially when she has raised kids since she was 19. My creativity will be my child. It is slowly developing but I am taking chances, learning new things, and learning to be kind to others again.
This resonates with me, as mothers we tend to pour our creativity into teaching them and helping them figure out their own gifts and when they fly the nest it really does leave you feeling a bit lost and it's a huge adjustment. I remember walking past their empty rooms and having some private crying sessions. I think it's ok because it's a bit of a form of mourning really. Knowing they will never be little again, but then we adjust and embrace the adults they become. Always on my knees asking God to watch over them and help them make wise decisions. We just need to pray for them and let them know we are there if they need us but also remembering,as you said, we didn't call or check in as often as our parents may have liked either.
Thank you, this resonates with me too. Being an only child from a single mother, I never had a large family. I always wanted one and I have never had my boys embrace spending time with their mother. It is hard although learning to do other things with my time now. The time I never had before.
Also a picean and love solitude. Now I know why. Thank you
Lamentations 3:22-23. It states, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (ESV).
Bible Gateway
Your words remind me of God's mercy.
+2
EKO, I won't pretend I don't know what you mean by the "Accuser" speaking to you. During my more orthodox Christian years, I experienced that as well. Over these many years since those days, until you just wrote those words, I suddenly realized I had never experienced that again. What do you make of that? As I reflect back on those days, transitioning out of traditional Christianity, some of my changes involved observing my own thinking. I began rejecting certain concepts intentionally. I started consistently rejecting thoughts that said, "I should do, or be this or that. I also began to wholesale reject fear in all its forms. What this did for me internally was simply better mental health and a more positive attitude toward most everything.
I've always believed the saying that God gives you gifts and what you do with those gifts are your gift to him. I have always tried to exercise my creativity, I believe the lie that Satan puts out is that you have to be " successful" or your a failure. And that stops most people in their tracks. I've realized that it doesn't matter as long as you are doing what you were made for just enjoy those gifts and let God use them wherever he sees fit. My husband and I love music and in our youth and again after our children were grown, we played our own songs in clubs and events. My husband played in the worship team at a little church we were part of while our kids were young. We had so much fun doing it until we didn't feel like doing it anymore. I have always loved to cook and wanted to have a small restaurant of our own. God brought that dream to realty not long ago, and it wasn't because we had tons of money in the bank. We won't be rich from it, we just have joy doing the work God made us to do. It doesn't feel like work, it's using my gift of cooking to nourish peoples bellys and hopefully their souls. I believe if you're doing what you're made to do he makes the way. When you start to understand deep down where your true beliefs lie, that you are his delight and joy, and he becomes your true delight and joy, there is really nothing stopping you. I also enjoy writing. I recently found a tub of writings I did as a teenager and young adult. A few of the stories were actually pretty good and I'm thinking about finding a way to submit them to publish them. Not because Im trying to be a blockbuster selling author but just because, why not? Satan tries to stop us from creating but if we do then he tries to stop us with fear of failure and fear of ridicule. If someone doesn't like what you made who cares? If what you did honors God that's all that matters. So yes I emphatically agree with what you're saying. Create, live your life full out in the safety of God's love. Jesus came that we would have life and have it abundantly. Live that way.
I forgot. My morning starts out early with my 13 year old dog wanting to go out, then I have to cook her breakfast. Tomorrow, I will go back into my room and do the writing before the rest of life gets in the way
This piece is like awakening from an unplanned nap and searching around for you left off....another very good journey!
I started 3 days ago, nine pages in. Similar results, just little nuggets.
Springtime, we enjoy the wonder of new life. But that beauty, the glorious creation, every bug, struggles to survive and recreate.
My work is to love anyone who crosses my path. Because we are all struggling, but we can encourage and share the struggle.
Thanks for the encouragement, EKO. I've never been a writer but I have so many thoughts, ideas, etc swirling around in my head. Probably would be a good idea, and maybe clear my head, if I start jotting them down.
I love what others have said about creativity... God made us in His image. Indeed! I make quilts and I crochet and often I push those things to the end of the to-do list. I've been working at prioritizing them... And letting other things go. A work in progress...
At some point, I'm going to have to find some of Macdonald's work and give it a read. Several articles of late mentioned his influence. Hmmm...
When I was doing commercial art and copy for advertising in the 1970s and 80s, I always found that first I needed to go through the cliche's and bad images before I got to making good images and writing. I think that is what you are doing in your Morning Work, too. I am sure as you write your books a similar process occurs. You toss the bad, refine the OK, and edit into the good, and bring about the style of writing that makes us pay attention and put us in the "headspace" or mood we feel as we read.
I read a book in the 1970s titled "A Child's Garden Of Grass" where the author decided to put down thoughts he had while in bed. He had a profound thought that he had to write down. He woke up the next morning and went to read it. It said "There is a funny smell in the room." It was probably a truth, but not every truth is profound.
So synchronous - I woke up this morning and was writing about what you call the Accuser, (I call it the mean voice) which I have been noticing and calling out the past few days, and realized that when I'm engaged in any creative activity, that voice is silent. I hadn't read your posts about morning pages. It's a good practice. I did it 30 years ago when The Artist's Way came out. I'm reviving it now. Thank you! and for all the comments too.
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