Abide

Happy Monday from Bonnie Leon.

 

Authors lead busy lives.

Writing requires large chunks of time, plus there is the continual process of editing. We’re either working on a manuscript or in the middle of one that’s back from the publisher requiring changes. There’s also marketing do be done, which demands a good deal of our time. Plus we have church, communitiy functions and family fun and drama. Sometimes it feels like there is not one free moment. With those kinds of pressures how do we stay close to the Lord?

Each of us must find our own way, but no matter what that looks like it's a necessity to a wholesome, fruitful life. If we want to glorify God, we have no option but to seek out our Lord. In John 15:4 Jesus says, “Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Jesus didn’t pull punches, he spoke truth straight and clear. We ignore Him at our peril. 

As writers our minds are always clicking along, working through plots and developing characters. That’s how it should be. Nurture the process, but remember that even if you've created a unique and powerful story it will have no heart without a firm foundation--Christ  in us. A branch separated from the living vine dies. And if we've been cut off our work will be lifeless.

When we abide in Him we can expect great things. In our personal lives fruit will grow and reproduce. And as writers, our scenes will flow, characters will come to life on the pages and through story God will be glorified. The work of the Holy Spirit will amaze us.

God waits, longing to spend time with us. Sit at His feet and worship Him.

Grace and peace to you.

Bonnie

www.bonnieleon.com

 

Comments

[Camille Eide]

Thank you, Bonnie, for that simple yet powerful reminder. Busyness and writing WILL eclipse our time to sit at the feet of Jesus unless we guard it. Something I am still learning--the Hard Way at times. I know how the best laid plans---stories, plots, projects---fizzle when done solo. Abiding is tough when so much clamors for our attention. I think of Peter walking on the water toward Jesus, and am awed by the Lord's challenge to focus on Him and not the waves.

This writing and promoting combined with lives full of family, work and commitments can look like angry waves sometimes. Jesus will keep me afloat when I keep my eyes on Him.

[C S Lakin]

So right on. I was just praying that prayer moments before reading your post. It's foremost in my heart every day-- to ask God to use me and to produce fruit for his glory, not mine. We need to be constantly reminded of this. And he will guide our writing if we lean on him. Thanks!

[Bonnie Leon]

Camille and C S, thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.

May the Lord bless our writing.

Bonnie