Monday, August 27, 2012

Stretch Your Muscles







"Ouch." Yes, that's me suffering because I didn't stretch before and after my workouts. Oh, I got away with it for a season, but it caught up with me. My hamstrings shortened and affected my back. When one part is out of whack, it messes up other areas.

My quiet time with the Lord is like that stretching. It loosens muscles tightened by intense writing sessions. When I spend time with Him, my brain processes thoughts better. My mind doesn't cramp so easily when my characters get themselves into a jam. Creativity leaps and does a happy dance over my keyboard.

The chiropractor said things wouldn't go back to normal overnight. Yet, every day there's improvement. When I've been in a rush or just plain lazy about hanging out with the Lord, it takes effort to regain lost ground.

Writers:  Do you talk to the Lord about your writing? How does your quiet time strengthen you?

Readers: How do your values affect your reading choices?

Photo Credit: lundeholm

21 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda O'Connell said...

Let me try again. Yes, I do ask for guidance, and often I am granted blessings such as unexpected submission call outs. Sometimes the Lord wants me to do my own leg work or rest ;)
Seriously, I am thankful for what comes my way. I am grateful for my writing ability.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Been talking to Him a lot about my writing lately.
~ Wendy

Chatty Crone said...

I saw your cat and had to say hello - my Disco does that all the time. I think we should join them. sandie

Karen Lange said...

I do talk to the Lord about my writing. Sometimes though, I forge ahead without His guidance on a project. That doesn't turn out as well. I am a work in progress. :)

Happy Monday,
Karen

Loree Huebner said...

Oh yes, Susan, I do.

I find inspiration and guidance when I talk with Him.

We do need to stretch in all aspects of our lives. Such a great thought.

Melanie N. Brasher said...

yes, it often comes up in my prayers.

JD said...

I ask God for guidance in my writing all of the time. I ask Him to point my way. God has a plan...

This cat in your image reminds me of my orange tabby at home. He stretches in the same way. Looks like it feels so good. :-)

Be well, my friend...
~Janette

quietspirit said...

I try to ask God to guide me. But I have been 'down' lately. Maybe,I need to have a long talk with Him.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda - I had one of those unexpected submission requests. What a nice surprise!

Hi Wendy - You and me both.

Hi Chatty - This picture is from one of the royalty free sites. I haven't had a cat for many years.

Hi Karen - I hear you. Sometimes I rely on my good ideas instead of "God ideas."

Hi Loree - I'm at a stage where I need some strong guidance for my writing.

Hi Melanie - This writing journey requires a lot of trust.

Hi Janette - Amen! He does have a plan, a good one for us. (See my new Facebook timeline banner.)

Hi Quiet Spirit - He's the best one to seek out for advice. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Dorothy said...

Oh I love that! Our quiet time with the Lord as the essential to any other activity to come in the day! What a great thought. I like to pray for my writing when I begin. Sometimes I've even gripped the monitor of my computer and prayed over the words to appear there. But I really like your illustration today. Thanks for sharing it, Susan.
Blessings
Dotti xx

Anonymous said...

I know all about this topic--both physically and spiritually! If I don't stretch, my back will ache and ache! If I don't pray and seek God, my heart aches! I must be flexible in both areas of my life. Thanks for making the connection!

Rhonda Schrock said...

I bathe myself in the Word before I start to write. Then my mind is set in the right position, and His storehouse of creativity is ready to tap!

I love that about Him.

Sarah Forgrave said...

I love this analogy, Susan. I've found the same thing...The more I go to the original Creator of creativity, my writing flows much better.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dotti - Welcome home! My day, as well as my writing, always goes better with prayer.

Hi Alisa - Both lessons have been learned through painful experience.

Hi Rhonda - Yes, I love when a piece practically writes itself. Those are the ones that get published. :)

Hi Sarah - I've learned to go to Him before there's a crisis. As in medicine, prevention trumps crisis management.

Blessings,
Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. delighted you were happy with your link ..

Faith is so important in many ways - and we all join with Him in different ways ... recently he has provided me and my mother with a great deal of peace and soul connection.

I love the stretching aspect .. it is so apt - cheers Hilary

Jeanette Levellie said...

Good thoughts, Susan.

Yes, I talk to the Lord about my writing.

As a reader, I even pray for characters who are in a pickle. That's how I know it's great writing!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary - I'm also learning that stretching has its painful aspects. Yet, to remain in the same state brings far more hurt than forging ahead.

Hi Jen - I'm glad I'm not the only one who prays for characters!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan said...

Hi Susan. Thanks so much for your visit to my blog and your comment, too.

I definitely need more quiet time with the Lord.

Thanks for your post. Susan

JD said...

I checked out your new FB timeline banner and love it. It's a nice quote to open up your page to. ;-)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Susan - I try to get over there as often as possible. Your blog always has something interesting and informative.

Hi Janette - Thanks! I love that scripture verse and the color...well, you know how much I adore purple.

Blessings,
Susan :)