Monday, April 20, 2009

Passion Nurturing Activities, Pt. 3

Silence, music, counselors...these are all great helps for stirring creativity and passion. So, too, is the written word. May seem like a no-brainer to some; for others may seem impossible. But I'm not talking about being a writer. I'm talking about the power of writing down what you know. Think. Feel. And letting that action show you things about yourself. And God.

Here are some simple things you can do, even if you hate to write:

Keep an Evidence Journal. Write down your God Stories. The times you saw God act. The times you felt His touch and presence. Do it with story or just key words. But get it down on paper. When God moves in your day, write it down. When someone speaks truth to your heart, write it down. When you struggle, write it down. Remember the children of Israel were told to write these truths on the doorposts that they might not forget all God had done for them. Then, when you've done that for awhile, go back and read what you wrote. It's so easy to forget God’s faithfulness. What a blessing to have solid, firm evidence of His action, His presence in our lives, in our passion.

Read the Scriptures. Whether you believe in God or not, you'll find beautiful, powerful writing in the Bible. If you do believe in God, then I challenge you to spend as much time in the Word as you do in reference and research books. Don't leave God out of the equation when seeking to rejuvenate your passion, or you may not like the final product.

Share words with others. In other words, encourage! Being encouraging encourages us.

Read. Immerse yourself in words, gloriously written words. Think about it. If you were stranded on a desert island what 4 books would you want with you? Read them. Read kids books, too. (Anything by Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstine is a joy.) Whatever books speak to your soul. Block out time each day to read. And do it someplace that you love. Your favorite chair, with the lights perfectly adjusted, the fire going in the fireplace, music floating around you…or not. Do it however you enjoy it most. Every day. It's important. If you want to find your passion.

Okay, almost done with activities. Last installment coming soon!

Karen

3 comments:

angela said...

Love all your advice except for the picking four books ideas. But I'm going to try anyway...

The Bible (Finished it for the first time last year. Getting even more out if it the second time through.)

The Scarlet Pimpernel (I've read it more times than any other book.)

Junie B. Jones (To share with my daughters--though my son likes it, too.)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (To share with my son--though my daughter's like it too.)

C.J. Darlington said...

Karen---great series of posts. Thanks!

Teri Dawn Smith said...

I agree with you about also reading children's books. There's a good reason why some of them are so popular.

I hope "laughing" is on your list.