Monday, January 3, 2011

Connecting With The Eternal

This blog is all about connections. I'm not talking about networking although that element plays a part. I'm referring to the bond we have with God and with each other.

Years ago, I watched a skating competition on television. The one skater gave a brilliant technical performance, but her competitor won. Why? Her passion for the music came through.

In this New Year I pray my writing will grow not only from a craft standpoint, but also in expressing spiritual progress. As I touch His outstretched hand, the words on the paper will reflect my relationship with Him.

What is your prayer for the New Year?

32 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Ooh, I love that! Mine is similar.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

So cool! I look forward to reading about this ultimate connection. I find the more connected I am to Him, the more genuine all my other connections are.
~ Wendy

Jaime Wright said...

Same here ... I'm feeling very nervous as I prep my manuscript to send to an agent. But ultimately, I want my writing to reflect Jesus and/or I want to be where HE wants me to be. So ultimately, the outcome is His - I just have to relax. :)
Hugs - hey! When are we getting together for tea? :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

I like that, Susan! Just this morning, I was asking Jesus to help me follow Him so closely that I keep bumping into His back. I saw that somewhere and just loved the picture it gave me.

Blessings, dear friend!

Rhonda

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is neat...my goal...to write from my heart about those things that move me...in ways that move others...so much to learn...I'm excited.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Yay! I hope we can all stay focused on the purpose of our writing. As Marlene Bagnull quotes from scripture, "write His answer."

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Wendy -

Excellent point! If I rely on my knowledge of the craft exclusively, the words lay on the paper like a corpse. Only He can infuse them with life.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jaime -

I felt the same way when I prepped mine for an agent. (I still haven't heard anything.) Praying for you.

I don't know, but I'm sure enjoying that great stuff you sent. If our paths ever cross at a conference, we'll have to sneak off for a quiet cup of tea. :)

Give the little princess a hug for me.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

I'm with you! Let's stick close to Him. He knows where He's going.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

We all have so much in our hearts. Waiting on His direction will give take those experiences and feed others' souls.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Same! :0)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I pray that my words will be an encouragement to others.

Carla Gade said...

That you, Susan. You always inspire me! Today I heard the praise song "Here I am to worship" and the word ruminated with me "in all I do, I honor You". And that I decided would be my theme for this year. Of course, it should be always, but it struck a special cord with me.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love your prayer! I pray that my writing comes closer to Him too.

Anonymous said...

Connection is what I try to make my blog, all my interactions, and even my self-study around. Maybe that's why I connect so well with what you have written here, past and present. Your 'music' comes through in your writing. I look forward to reading more and hearing louder as you continue to turn up the volume.

Unknown said...

This is a GREAT prayer, Susan! I think I'll adopt this one too, if you don't mind!! Just began a new Bible study today on the Psalms of Ascent. I look forward to drawing nearer to my Heavenly Father this year! God bless you! Hugs & Blessings!

Dolores Ayotte said...

I love your prayer and new year's goal. Susan...mine is similar. I pray for the ability to show more Grace in my dealings with all people and to be as forgiving with others as I have been so generously forgiven.

Nancy said...

My goal is to keep the passion for filling more and more of my day with the Lord. I had that recently, and I don't want to lose it.

Jennie Allen said...

Praying for a focus and surrrender to God.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

Maybe we should remind each other halfway through the year. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

Yes! I pray my words will uplift others.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

Thanks for your kind words. I love the song you mentioned - a very good theme for the year. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Tyrean -

It's the cry of my heart to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind and my neighbor as myself.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Thank you. I pray the Lord will use my writing voice for His glory and His purposes.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Maria -

I don't mind at all. :)

May we all grow in the faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dolores -

I agree with you! Staying in an attitude of forgiveness brings God's blessings. Bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness are an unholy trio that hinder our prayers.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

Great goal! Like you, I desire to have every part of my day infused with His love and Presence.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jennie -

Thanks for joining in the discussion.

Your prayer reminds me of a song by Dennis Jernigan called, "I Surrender." It always reduces me to a puddle.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Heather Sunseri said...

What a beautiful prayer, Susan! I will echo that prayer!

Kathleen said...

It always amazes me how the Lord manages to draw His people closer-and-closer together, even in cyberspace. I'm with you: I want my connections here to be authentic, rich, deep; and so very God-honoring. That way, no matter what I write, it will build from THAT foundation.

Love your heart!

Kathleen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heather -

Thanks! If my writing doesn't reach people at a heart level, I've failed.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

I feel the same way. Isn't it awe-inspiring how the Lord draws like-minded people together?

Blessings,
Susan :)