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Monday, July 18, 2011

Looking For Inspiration

My 10-year-old eyes stared at the array of precious stones displayed at the museum. The diamonds, amethysts, rubies, emeralds all sparkled with the story of God's creativity.

Today, I'm equally dazzled by God's creativity when He flashes an idea or series of ideas into my heart. Oh, how I want to share those gems with everyone. How do I capture their essence in word form?

While many writers argue you can't wait for inspiration, you have to come up with something when you're on deadline, I know I cannot bring forth something living with mere letters or words. God knows all about editors and agents. He knows when we need that great plot, that unforgettable character. So, I go to the source of all creativity and ask Him: "What do you want me to write? What's on Your heart?"

Now, this all seems very spiritual and in the clouds, but God is super practical. For instance, I'm praying about what to bring to the upcoming conference. I'm also cleaning out my office. Well, the other day I emptied a shelf, and there were some old journals. I set them off to the side. When I finished my task, I opened one, and there was a devotional thought I'd written down in 2006...five years ago! One devotional, one answered prayer, and excitement as I re-live the moment they were penned.

Do you get all frustrated and decide you need to "help" God? Do you ever have God ideas that you personally don't like and don't want to follow but can't shake it? Let's talk.

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17 comments:

  1. Wendy Paine MillerJuly 18, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Yes and yes to your questions. I try to help God all the time and find it leads me down a longer path with more blisters on my feet.

    I also feel God tugging things on my heart that I avoid and get splinters because of it.

    I can be so stubborn, but he humbles me and he loves me...that's all that really matters.
    ~ Wendy

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  2. Karen LangeJuly 18, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Yes, I do. I'm a work in progress. Like you didn't know that already...:D
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Jeanette LevellieJuly 18, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Oh, yes, I'm a great helper! But I tend to muddle things up unless I say the same thing you say: "What would you have me do, Lord?"

    Excellent post, Susan!

    P.S. Wanna win a prize? Please pop over to my blog this week! Thanks and love,
    Jen

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  4. Kathi Oram PetersonJuly 18, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    I know what you mean. Inspiration hits at different times. For me, while I'm in the shower. What's with that? But I'm grateful. Great post!

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  5. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 18, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Hi Wendy -

    I'm thankful He's so patient. Many times, a slight course correction is all that's needed to get us back on track.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  6. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 18, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Hi Karen -

    Like our manuscripts, we're all a work in progress. God's a great editor. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  7. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 18, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Hi Jen -

    I can't count the number of times I've started writing a post, devotional, article, or fiction piece, and I went off in a direction I didn't expect. (Okay, I know that sentence was too long!)

    See you over at your place.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  8. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 18, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Hi Kathi -

    The water must relax you. I guess you need one of those notepads made for the shower. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  9. DianeJuly 18, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Many times I forget to ask Him what He wants me to write. I know it always comes out better when I do! :O)

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  10. UnknownJuly 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Awesome that God allowed you to re-visit that devotional from five years ago! I definitely have tried my hand at 'helping' God. I've found that He doesn't need my help! And yes, the God ideas that I've not been too keen on are the ones that humble me - reminding me that I need to stay pliable in His hands! Have a great week! Hugs and blessings!

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  11. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 19, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Hi Diane -

    I can relate. Sometimes when I'm struggling a lightbulb goes off in my head. I forgot to pray or I prayed and then commenced with worrying.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  12. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 19, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Hi Maria -

    A soft drink jingle popped into my head just now. Things go better with... In this case, things go better with PRAYER!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  13. Sarah ForgraveJuly 19, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Susan, You just touched on something I was convicted about this week. I can't figure out why I try to take over for God so often. You'd think I'd remember it didn't work the last time. :)

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  14. Susan J. ReinhardtJuly 19, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Sarah -

    I think we all have times where we forget how dependent we are on Him. There's a saying I like, "Life is Fragile. Handle With Prayer." I don't know who wrote it, but the words are powerful.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  15. Jean FischerJuly 19, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I know that I'm supposed to work from an outline, but always God moves me in unexpected directions. I've learned to accept it and love it. I still make rough outlines, but God revises them for me as we work. I go wherever He takes me. God does the creative work, and I'm there for the mechanical help.

    Blessings, Susan!
    Jean

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  16. Marja Verschoor-MeijersJuly 19, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Oh, I love this Susan, great post. I am such a whiner when it comes to writing my articles and columns with deadlines. I keep praying about it until God gives me something, sometimes at the very last minute :)

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  17. NancyJuly 19, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Yes, sometimes I do feel like He's asking me to do things, but It always seems huge and I don't know where to start.

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