"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. . . . But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." (Matthew 13:11-13,16)
I read this passage not too long ago and it stood out to me most likely because of the references to "parables" and the question the disciples asked Jesus about them. According to the dictionary on my Bible app, a parable is "A fable or allegorical relation or representation of something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction." I love writing stories that have spiritual truths and elements to them. That's what makes any story real because we're writing about the truth directly from God's Word. Even if those stories do have a fictional setting and plot to them. The themes, the life lessons, they're all real. Fellow writers, did you notice Jesus' answer to the disciples' question about why He spoke to them in parables? We have been given His Spirit to know the mysteries of the kingdom. . . truths revealed to us in His timing and in the different seasons we've endured. So if you ever wonder what to do with the things God reveals to you, write a story and integrate that spiritual lesson or theme that changed you into the lives of the characters. It will make the whole story more credible and authentic. Recently when an author visited the writer's group I am a part of, she challenged us to know the purpose of our writing. Why do we write? What is the purpose of my writing? I never thought much about my writing in that way before. At first, I figured it was for entertainment for me and any one else who chose to read my stories. Then one day soon after that author's visit, I got serious about it and asked myself what the purpose of my writing was. If I want to get published someday, then I have to have a good reason for why I write and do what I do. So I wrote down the question and thought about it for a couple minutes, before I started writing out my response. This was what came out: I write because I want to reveal truths to people straight from God's Word and to help them not to make the same mistakes I have made (and still make). I write because of a specific message or lesson God has revealed to me. That's my purpose. And whenever I find myself learning new things in God's Word, I automatically want to use it in a future story or apply it to one of the story ideas floating around in my mind. I want to share what God has revealed to me with others. With you! So tell me, writers, what is the purpose of your writing? Feel free to leave a comment below or on my Facebook post. I look forward to hearing the purpose of your writing, too. :) A quick shoutout to award-winning author, Michele Chynoweth for her inspiring talk about the publishing journey and the question that led me to find the deeper, hidden purpose in my writing. Thank you, Michele! And last, but not least, my end of the month writing update: Last time I told you about the story I decided to start writing without plotting first like I normally do. Incase you are wondering, writing "by the seat of my pants" or "pantsing" is going really, REALLY well. This is actually my first time doing it and what I like about it is not having to be confined to a specific goal for every scene or sticking to a timeline. I just write what comes to me. :) I have 33,000 words so far and 11 chapters in total. And that is my update for this month!
0 Comments
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5
Guys, I know I say this every time but this book, THIS BOOK was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The spiritual theme was really developed well throughout this historical fiction novel and gave one of my favorite analogies in scripture about the Vine and the branches. It went so deep; it was unlike any other faith element I've read in books so far. Joanna was a new-to-me author and I am so glad I was able to score this book! The book was set in a rare vineyard in England (makes sense when you think about the spiritual element in it) and it's just an all-around great read. Here's the back cover blurb: Tressa Harlowe's father kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Now Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first. Go grab a copy of this book! And I do have another recommendation, one I didn't take a picture of. It's "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer and it is excellent. I just finished it yesterday and the last chapter really helped me see how our lives don't have to be split into sacred-secular areas where we think certain things are more spiritual (like reading the Bible, prayer, memorizing, etc.) or more secular (everything else). If we follow the command in 1 Corinthians 10:31, then every thing we do (except sinning) can be offered up as an act of worship to God. EVERYTHING. Isn't that awesome? I hope you enjoyed these book recommendations. Next week, I'll be back with an end-of-the-month writing update (I'm taking off Thanksgiving; can you believe it's two weeks away?). So tell me in the comments below, what are you thankful for? |
AuthorHi! I'm Carolyn, a writer seeking to glorify God with my words. Archives
February 2024
Categories |