by Cathy Baker | Faith |
- The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. – Mark Twain
- The fewer the words used, the more concentrated the attention; and the greater the concentration, the greater the power. – David Lambuth
- The first secret of good writing: We must look intently, and hear intently, and taste intently. – James J. Kilpatrick
- Always be a poet, even in prose. – Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered potholder. – Raymond Chandler
photo courtesy of www.writersstore.com
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
“Ruth Stone, an award-winning poet who published most of her work after the age of 70, died on November 19 of natural causes at her home in Ripton, Vermont, according to the Huffington Post. She was 96.” – The Writer’s Chronicle
I’m currently reading The War of Art, Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield. In it, Steven defines our enemy, Resistance.
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work.”
Do you find this to be true in your own life? Regardless of your calling—teaching the Word, writing music, singing, serving, writing prose or poetry, etc.—resistance sets its stealthy snares in hopes of squelching any creativity you and I have to offer.
“Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled. But it can be felt. Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work.”
I find this to be especially true when I work on poetry. Recently, while trying to finish a piece for an upcoming conference, Resistance whispered a host of reasons why I had no business writing, with my whopping age of 49 winning top billing that day.
Everything changed, however, when I read about an award-winning poet named Ruth Stone, who published most of her work after the age of 70.
With that knowledge in my pocket, I thanked God.
Grinned like a kid.
Put down the magazine.
Picked up a pen.
Began writing.
And kissed resistance goodbye.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Actually, that’s not the question.
For me, the question is how often to blog?
In 2008, I shot for a daily post, but recently have tried posting only a few days a week. I applaud those who make this work, but I’m not convinced it’s for me.
Here’s why. When posting several times a week versus a few, my creative radar subconsciously kicks into gear, shifting effortlessly from green alert (low probability) to orange (high probability) in search of a potential post. I find I’m more sensitive to the daily details of what’s happening around me, and most importantly, what is happening within me.
Yes, I could jot down those daily ideas and simply spread them out over a few weeks, but for me, that’s missing the point, which is: the process is of greater value than the results when all is said and done.
This is because every single “alert” is an opportunity to see God at work in the details of my life and those around me. It’s an opportunity to thank Him and to worship—and any time I can increase those moments, I will.
I have a feeling you will too.
“for in him we live, and move, and have our being…” Acts 17:28
– photo courtesy of Wikipedia
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in our local Word Weaver’s workshop, Getting Ready for Conference.
Cynthia Owens did a great job pulling the workshop together, along with her trusted instructors Marcia Moston, Mary Denman, Edie Melson, and Lynn Blackburn. Sue Stout, Carolyn Knefely, and Bruce Brady served faithfully behind the scenes. It was a true team effort.
From the get-go, we were reminded of this scripture: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Remember the popular saying “let go and let God?” I wonder if some of us “let go” a bit prematurely, forgetting our responsibility in fulfilling God’s plans for our lives. (You mean letting go doesn’t include Junior Mints and a nice comfy couch, while resting on God’s promises?)
Marcia reminded us that our responsibility includes being prayerfully sensitive to God’s Spirit, while continuing to work hard at honing the skills we believe God gave us, trusting He will use them for His glory…in His ways…and in His timing. Now that’s letting go!
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A farmhouse window far back from the highway
speaks to the darkness in a small, sure voice.
Against this stillness, only a kettle’s whisper,
and against the starry cold, one small blue ring of flame.
– Ted Kooser, Delights and Shadows
