Quote of the Day: Do not worry beforehand what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. – Mark 13:11
Did you know that the creative offices for Highlights for Children are located on Church Street in Honesdale, PA? Churches of various denominations stand side by side, lining the street. Old homes and parsonages where pastors and their families lived are scattered amongst the steeples. This quick shot that I took from the minivan is a bit murky, not unlike our understanding of religion, ours and others’ faiths.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, or how you were raised, or what might have clouded your understanding of God, most people seek to love their neighbor, find peace in nature, and know that the great gifts of beauty, inspiration, and love come from an inner Creative Spirit that does not abandon us.
At times, we feel broken and bent like this tree. And, yet, something beautiful and interesting comes of this change in direction. Whenever I gather with a new group of people, I feel a bit anxious. Will I say the right thing? Will they like me? Will I be comfortable around them?
The Holy Spirit is there to guide my words and actions. I was given intuition to discern the trustworthy from the wicked. If I listen to that voice, when I let the Spirit guide me, I learn that in mere hours, I can be surrounded by loving and caring people who have gathered for a similar purpose, who truly want to create something good, and who want to bring out the best in me.
By Saturday afternoon of our writer’s retreat, after we’d shared our writing from a deep, emotional memory, we became bonded to one another in trust. We allowed ourselves to be vulnerable, to talk about the pain, and to realize that the characters we create must experience pain, be unsafe for a while, and become empowered through their stories. Through our creativity we empower ourselves and others.
Journey on, fellow Creative Spirits! May our paths cross in spiritual and physical ways as we follow our callings to create art and music and literature that connects people and brings understanding to a world that often seems like Hell, yet gives us glimpses of Heaven.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Write about a time when you allowed yourself to be vulnerable and found true compassion and healing.
Amen, Mary! Oh my, the photo of the leave in the puddle, simply outstanding. Took my breath away. Couldn’t keep my eyes from it! But your words, too, were beautiful, and so true. I love how you described our time of writing about the emotional stuff. That was so powerful, and you’re right about how it bonded us. Wow…what an experience! Thanks for making it so vivid and helping me recall that special time.
Mary, I have just got to ask: May I use the leaf in the puddle picture for a background for the hymn power point I do at church? It would be so perfect for that! As for your prompt….Going through it right now. I’m on one of the last steps for wellness this week. It’s going to be rough, but it will be better on the other side.
That writing exercise sounds powerful! I can see why the retreat was so rewarding. I wish we opened up to one another more in our everyday lives.
Great images and your retreat topics and musings are most inspiring. Thank you for generously sharing this. Peace and continued good things for you in your work and in life.
Sincerely,
Diane
What a glorious time you must of had at the retreat. Your beautiful pics and words reflect just that.
Our words are powerful tools and we so need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in using ’em.
Ya’ll have a marvelously bright and beautifully fall day.
God bless ya sweetie!!!
Beautiful post! And I always love your journaling prompts.
Making Life a Work of Art!
A beautiful post, Mary. I loved your words…actually, I always love your words. I seem to open your posts at just the right time, read just the right words and leave smiling. I thank you for that.
Mary, I think you could be in a small village in the remotest part of the world and gather a loving circle of people around you. You’re a really good person!!