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“When He had finished speaking, he (Jesus) said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4
I don’t know about you, but I don’t go into the deep water at an outdoor venue like I use to do. I would do so in a pool probably because I can quickly get to the safety of the side. But when we talk about our writing, there is new meaning to putting out into deep water. Jesus knew that, after seeing the disciples' frustration at not catching fish where they were, He needed to give them hope for a large haul, thereby stopping what was not working and doing what would. But the one piece of meaning we should not miss is that Jesus tells Simon to put out into the “deep” water. What does that mean? For those fishing it meant that Jesus knew where the fish were. As writers we know that when we are deeply committed to what we are doing, we become insistent on getting the job done—on completing the mission. If we are to complete our writing, we must be fully committed to whatever it takes to do --writing, editing, publishing, and marketing. If Simon Peter had told Jesus, “I'm sorry, Lord, but I am finished fishing. I am going home,” he would have missed his mission. With our writing, the “catch" will come in unexpected writing ways. Let’s keep putting out into the deep water of a writer’s work. The catch will be worth the work and the wait. Lord, I desire to put out into the deep water and to reach out to others in the way You call me. Barbara Baranowski
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Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3
When writing devotional or other material, I desire to commit my work plan to the Lord, then writing not only will nourish someone else’s soul but also mine. I cannot help but feel God’s power inspiring me when I ask His help in releasing that creative energy. Writing takes commitment to the task and without it, our thoughts will not take flight to land in the hearts of others who may read our words. July is the month we celebrated Independence Day. We know from studying the background of our founding fathers that they, too, prayed for God to guide their steps and establish their way. We know they were committed, and that they kept their eyes on the goal of establishing a free country, based on the truth of God’s word. As writers we can do no less. Similarly, there are some people who have not yet gotten the news of freedom in Jesus Christ and of the Kingdom authority He has given His people. Let’s stay committed to the goal that God has given each of us in reaching out to others. Then they and we will be truly free. Barbara Baranowski Barbara Baranowski Springtime is orchestrated with nature’s songs and painted with the colorful canvas of renewed plant life. A rejuvenated earth awakens and yawns, shaking off the cold and snowy winter. Every form of life cries out, “I’ve returned and shine forth the glory and splendor of Gods’ creation. The cold and dark of winter could not hold me captive.” So it is with the writing gift that God gives us. It should shine forth His glory, as we share Him with others. Has your writing grown dormant, or is it springing forth with new thoughts and inspirations to help others in their journey? Why not spring clean your writer’s gift and share what God gives you with others. Dave Bethel
When I was a little girl my daddy held me, read to me, loved me, Taught me what I needed to know. He’d take me to the park, push me on the swings and help me down the slide. Walking home, holding his hand, I’d look up at him and smile. And I’d say, “I have a good man by my side.” I have a good man by my side. In life he is my guide. Whether I lose or win doesn’t matter, he says, As long as I honestly try. I have a good man by my side. On his love I can always rely. He is there for me throughout my days. I have a good man by my side. Daddy served his country and sometimes was far away, overseas, protecting us from harm. I missed him but he would call and say, “I love you.” And I cried. He’d let me talk to his buddy who said “Now don’t you worry, honey. Your daddy will be home soon. We’re safe over here. There ainit nuthin’ we fear, ‘Cause we have a good man by our side.” I have a good man by my side. In life he is my guide. Whether I lose or win doesn’t matter, he says, As long as I honestly try. I have a good man by my side. On his love I can always rely. He is there for me throughout my days. I have a good man by my side. Daddy walked me down the aisle of the church upon my wedding day. He said, “You are beautiful. Just like your mother. You have blessed me in every way.” I clung to his arm as we walked, and I beamed at everyone. For I was blessed too, A happy bride who knew, I have a good man by my side. I have a good man by my side. In life he is my guide. Whether I lose or win doesn’t matter, he says, As long as I honestly try. I have a good man by my side. On his love I can always rely. He is there for me throughout my days. I have a good man by my side Grandpa would come to visit. He’d laugh with his son-in-law. He’d take his grandchildren to the park and push them on the swings and help them down the slide. He’d ask me, “Sweetheart, are you happy?” And I’d smile at my husband and say, “Yes I am, daddy. I have another good man by my side.” Daddy’s gone now and I miss him. “Lord, please take care of him,” I pray. On my knees I hear God answer, and I hear His voice, reassuring, say, “Be at peace. Your father lives forever in Heaven where all are glorified. He’s here with me and all’s well, for you see, I have a good man by my side.” I have a good man by my side. All my life he’s been my guide. Whether I lost or won didn’t matter, he said, As long as I honestly tried. I have a good man by my side. On his love I’ll forever rely. He’s still here for me, And he always will be. I have a good man by my side Barbara Baranowski
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (NIV). These days of Covid-19 Pandemic most everyone is wearing a mask. When I do I almost feel like I have lost my identity, and that others have too. It feels as if I am in a state of hiding—like people I see in public may not know who I am, even though they may have been my friend for years. Although I know that I am still the same person, somehow the feeling I get under the mask is different than what I am accustomed to—like being concealed. We know that through Jesus our identity is never lost; He knows us intimately. The Bible says in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” Thank You, Lord, that even under our masks You know all of us intimately. by Julia Linkenhoker
In the midst of chaos God gives me calm In the midst of bedlam He’s a healing balm When I am scared God is my solace When I want to relent His help is relentless When the days are uncertain His promise is unchanging When I am anxious His peace is abiding When filled with sadness His comfort is soothing When I am meek I see His power moving When I feel alarmed I’m secured by His anchor When I seek answers He is my advisor When I am discouraged His Word makes me dauntless When my heart feels faint His strength makes me fearless What can I say about the wonder of this? If God is for me who can be against? Neither fears of today nor worries for tomorrow Neither life nor death or the dread of sorrow Not demons below or angels above Can separate me from God’s great love Neither Covid-19 nor any other virus Can falter my faith or make me cowardice I’m secure in the hands of the God that I know Whatever befalls--tender mercies He’ll bestow! --Julia Linkenhoker March 29, 2020 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:35, 37-38 Cathy D.Dudley
If I write it down on paper, life’s loose ends become more orderly. I’m a seventy year old wife, mother, and grammy. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been making elaborate and colorful lists to help me and my family stay organized. A red heart by an item means top priority. A yellow star is less important but still needs done today. When something is underlined in blue, it can wait until tomorrow. How else could we remember our appointments and accomplish our many activities? Maybe you can relate. I often described our young family as a three-ring circus. Although Amy, Sara, and Matthew were born within thirty-seven months, they rarely did the same thing at the same time. My husband and I were co-ringmasters, introducing our dynamic children to the world and keeping the show running smoothly. Yes, we were always busy … and yes, there were always simultaneous performances. Our daily to-do list could include anything from 4-H horse grooming and coaxed piano practicing to lively ball games and a pinewood derby, not to mention three completely different sets of homework. It was an exciting, often chaotic time. But the common denominator was always love. The items on my daily list have changed over the years. Now in retirement, I fill my days with volunteering and other pleasant activities. A typical list might involve purchasing construction paper and glitter to teach an art class, biking on my favorite country road, meeting Mother for Bible study followed by putting just one more piece in her jigsaw puzzle, hiking with my husband, working on my newest book, or cutting out puppets for Children’s Chapel. It’s strange, but I still feel like there’s never enough time in a day. Recently, it seems everyone’s personal list has become shorter. One by one meetings and fun activities are being crossed off. These cancellations are an attempt to limit the spread of a dangerous coronavirus. People are getting sick. I agree social distancing is a good thing, but more and more my spirits are sinking as less connection is becoming the new normal. I’m not only missing whatever thing was cancelled but also the delightful relationships that are such an important part of the activity. To be honest, I’m mad at this COVID-19 and resent its power to have this huge impact on our health and lives. But then I had a beautiful epiphany. The coronavirus has no power over God! It can’t cancel our meeting with God, our connection with God, our relationship with God. That’s right. COVID-19 has absolutely no effect on me being with my God. God is all powerful and can’t be crossed off a list. As a matter of fact, there’s no need to even put morning devotions, Bible reading, and prayer throughout the day on a to-do list. Activities with God come about as naturally as holding your child’s hand when crossing the street. No scheduling required. So although our cancelled activities have worth and merit, it turns out what’s NOT on your list is of the highest value. And this is God! The Bible assures us “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1, GNB). Yes, our mighty God is available 24-7 and will see us through this coronavirus thing. Let’s be sure our children and grandchildren know our God is all powerful and can be trusted to take care of us all the days of our lives. “I will proclaim your greatness, my God and King; I will thank you forever and ever. What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:1, 4, GNB). THANKS be to God! PRACTICES Encourage your child’s connection with God. “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” (Proverbs 22:6, GNB). Work God moments into your child’s routine. 1. Model praying at meals, and take turns leading the prayer. 2. In dinnertime conversation, talk about how you’ve seen God at work in the world. Examples might be a new flower blooming or someone helping another. 3. When you’re playing games, include ideas found in Christian activity books. 4. Rotate reading favorite bedtime stories with Bible stories. 5. After a nighttime prayer, turn out the lights and sing “Jesus Love Me” or “Angels Watching Over Me.” BIO Cathy D. Dudley, member of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke, VA., is an author of Christian books for children and their families. She has written Toddler Theology ~ Childlike Faith for Everyone and Faith, Family, & Fun ~ Monthly Lessons to Color and Connect with God’s Love. Cathy thanks God for giving her the words to write and invites you to visit cathyddudley.com. From Barbara Baranowski, director
Dear Writers, Life is very different now, with difficulty and uncertainty every day. We should continue in prayer for one another, for families who have experienced loss, and those on the "front lines" of this COVID-19 Virus, In addition, to encourage ourselves and others, let’s write through this! Here are some writing ideas that I hope you will consider:
Barbara Baranowski
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) Have you ever thought about the importance of knowing when to write? I dream of writing without ceasing. Sometimes, though, God has a different plan for me. We had rented a beach house for a family vacation. Eagerly, I packed my writing equipment, fantasizing about watching the infinite billows while dashing off inspirational pieces. My week would be a wonderful writer’s retreat. After the first day, however, reality crashed through my sandcastle dreams. Although I savored the time spent with each family member, the quiet morning was too short for my big dreams, and after the days activities I was too tired to write. I prayed, “Lord, haven’t You called me to write? Didn’t You provide this lovely spot?” I could almost hear God laughing as He spoke to my heart, “Child, sometimes I provide writing time for you, and sometimes I place you in the middle of things to write about. With spiritual eyes, watch the blessings unfold—teaching your grandchildren about Me in the beauty of a shell, and watching your adult children depend on My Grace to supply. See your 90-year-old father gain strength from viewing the power of My ocean, and your husband gain nourishment through My spirit. I was reminded that this was not the time to write about adventures with God; it was the time to live them. I would write about them later. God had reminded me about the importance of discerning the times. Try this Exercise Think about times you have experienced with your family or others. Are there writing opportunities hidden within those adventures? As you reflect, envision not only the delightful events, but also the difficult situations. Pray for God to open your storehouse of memories and show you ones that need to be shared so others may learn about Him. Take out photos to help you reminisce. As you relive special times, choose one photo and in sixty seconds write down everything you see in it. Then, as you are drawn into the scene, ask God to direct your writing in such a way that others will see Him more clearly. Barbara Baranowski
I left the American Christian Writers’ Conference ready to conquer some of the “giants” of writerdom, including lack of time and fear of rejection. The instructors, as always, delighted me with their wealth of information and inspirational words. And, as always, I felt armed to do battle. My excitement was at a peak, and I was ready to write. But, I also knew another giant was awaiting me on the drive home and would follow me into the house. That was the hardest one for me to escape. I call him Big Blue. Recognizing the Giant After a writers’ conference, Big Blue walks into the house with me. As I place the wonderful materials I brought home near my computer, he whispers to me that I won’t see those inspiring attendees for another year. I can hear him laughing at the thought that I would open my newest notes or leisurely peruse new materials. He reminds me of the time and energy it takes to develop writing skills, and the blank screen that awaits me. I brush him off, but he sits near me and notes how solitary I seem. Some may call him post-conference blues or depression. I’m not sure if this is a classified condition, but it happens when I leave a conference feeling inspired, yet empty of those relationships and people I’ve been with—people a little “strange” about the lure of writing, like I am. Lately, however, I recognize his voice immediately and have developed some ways to banish him. I waste no time allowing him to linger. If you are acquainted with Big Blue, I recommend these giant-slaying tips. Share Your Experience Share what you did at the conference with someone, even if you have to speak to yourself. Don’t keep the excitement and positive experiences bottled up. Call or e-mail a fellow writer. You may inspire others; but, more importantly, you will reconnect to your own excitement. Are you part of a writers’ critique group? Attend the next meeting and take the opportunity to engage others in your enthusiasm for learning. Discuss a technique that you learned, and help your fellow writers to apply it. Often a speaker addresses more than writing techniques. Did one encourage you to a deeper prayer life? Share the inspiration you received. Did an article or book writer relate a testimony or answer to prayer? Pass along those words to comfort and hearten others. Network your experience, but also network your feelings. Seek Immediate Writing Opportunities Look for writing opportunities immediately following the conference. Check your church newsletter and bulletin. Are articles needed? Send off that article you have been clutching with insecurity. Pray for new opportunities to come. If you are a nonfiction writer, try fiction (or vice-versa). You may find possibilities that you hadn’t thought about. Open your market guide, and go on a writer’s “shopping spree” in search of the publication with needs that match your work. Take on the challenge of defeating the giant by hurling the stone of enthusiasm. |
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