Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Rhonda's Boundaries - Virtual Luncheon - Part 5

Rhonda scans the dessert menu. "It's so hard to decide. This warm apple crostata sounds delightful. I'll give it a try.

"As for your question on how free I am to speak about spiritual matters, our community is heavily churched, filled with everything from Catholics to Amish to Mennonites of every stripe to Baptists and beyond. The newspaper gives me an amazing amount of latitude. Much of the time, I'd say I extract lessons and morals from our family stories and current events, but now and then, the Holy Spirit say, 'It's go time!,' and we speak to people in plain terms.

When a soldier from our hometown was killed in action one summer, followed by the sudden deaths of two neighbors tree days apart (both living within one-third mile of my house and both well known in the community), I sensed the Lord saying, "Speak to the people about being ready to die.' So, I did. And God used it."

After Rhonda handed the menu to Jen, I posed another question. "Wow, the time is going so fast, and I still have questions for the both of you.

"How has the column affected you and/or your family? Since Jen is deciding what she wants for dessert, why don't you go first this time, Rhonda?"

She almost chokes on her breadstick. "I thought I had time to think this over. Let's see, my family has been wonderful. Even though Mr. Schrock shuns the spotlight, he puts up with it because he believes in my gift and thinks I should be using it. The boys just roll with it. They shrug and say, "it's what Mom does.

"On a personal level,it's pushed me to face fears. Writing your heart is terrifying enough, but putting it out there for all to see..."

Rhonda shudders. "I really need that apple crostata now!"

...to be continued.

Questions for the Reader: Rhonda puts a lot of prayer into her columns. Do you pray for your readers and ask God what take-away they need?


14 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

You're such a good writer! ;-) Sometimes I pray for Him to help with my writing but sometimes I forget.

quietspirit said...

This is an interesting series. I try to pray and ask God to direct me to write what He needs me to say.

Nancy said...

I do always pray before a blog. This helps me to get the tiny spark of an idea into something fuller I can print. I have never thought of a take away message on the blog. I just believe the prayer covers that.

Happy New Year

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Thanks. I think we all have days like that. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

I find my posts, devotionals, and articles touch the heart when I pray first. After all, He knows what each reader needs.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

As a devotional writer, take-away is a critical element. I try to give a discussion question on all my blog posts.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I do pray before I write articles or columns! I always ask: not my words Lord, but yours. With my books it's more than a short prayer :)
Thanks Susan, happy new year!

Rhonda Schrock said...

I do put a lot of prayer into the column. I fully believe that God can use the laugh-out-loud pieces just as much as the serious, straight forward ones. I do have readers that are unchurched or aren't deeply religious that follow, and I just think that if I can get them to laughing (or crying) about the ordinary stuff we all go through with families and work and - well, just life, then I've gained some equity to speak into their lives in a more serious moment.

Both are, I'm convinced, "spiritual."

Smiling and waving,

Rhonda

Rita Garcia said...

I do pray before I write, not always before I post something on my blog--I will now! Thank you for sharing from your heart!

Jeanette Levellie said...

I pray, but not as often as I should. Thanks for the reminder, Suze.

Happy New Year!
Jen

Karen Lange said...

I do pray that I'd have the wisdom I need to write. Thanks for reminding me to pray for the readers. I sometimes forget to do that. Loving this series, thanks!
Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rita -

Thanks for stopping by. :)

We never know who will be reading our articles/posts. By praying and seeking the Lord's guidance, I know someone will benefit.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

You're welcome. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

We're often told to write for our audience. If I'm to do that effectively, then I must pray for them as well.

Blessings,
Susan :)