Monday, January 13, 2014

Lady Traveler asks, What are you wRiting for? and Who are you wRiting for?

Stay focused

Whether you are a wRiter, fRiend, aRtist, or just like to stop by my blog, I must share a story that will make you think twice before beginning your next venture.

One winter night composer Johann Sebastian Bach was scheduled to debut a new composition.  He arrived at the church expecting it to be full.  He soon learned that no one had come.  Without missing a beat, he told the musicians that they would still perform as planned.  Bach raised his baton, and soon the empty church was filled with magnificent music.

Doesn't this story make you want to do some soul searching?  I closed my laptop and asked myself, would I write if God were my only audience?  Would my writing be any different?

Bach's story reminded me to stay focused on what God has called me to write, whether anyone shows up or not.  The stories will fall into the hands of those who need to be encouraged along their spiritual journey.  That is why I wrote and published Lady and the Sea, and that is why I am continuing my writing journey with Lady on the Run, a book to help women run their physical and spiritual race at their own pace.  Believe me, I'm writing from my own personal experience--I know the importance of not comparing our race with others.  From walking to jogging, from jogging to running, we can run our race successfully if it is at our own pace.

That my ways might show forth Your glory,
That You, dear Lord, greatly deserve!
With Your precious blood You've redeemed me--
In all my days, You I would serve!  ~  Somerville 

God's Word reminds us,

Do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Matthew 6:1

I'm writing for you, Lord

To order Lady and the Sea  and/or  Lady on the Run  go to:

9 comments:

Deborah H. Bateman said...

Thanks for sharing this post to remind us who we are writing for. May God bless you as you continue to do His will through your writing. May the ones who are supposed to show up be there. The ones who will feel His touch through your writing.
Blessings,
Deborah H. Bateman

Sharon Leaf said...

Thanks, Deborah. And I wish the same for you!

Buffy said...

Sharon, thanks for the reminder that we need to follow God's will through our writing. May God bless our prose as we focus on His lead.

Sharon Leaf said...

Buffy, your writing has encouraged so many already. May God's hand continue to be upon your writing.

chateau chic said...

This is so true, and such a well written post to inspire us to persevere for the Lord and not for men! Great reminder for me today!!
Mary Alice

simplewithsyd said...

Great post! I have had to ask myself the same question and I definitely have been reading the scrippy you posted from Matt 6. I say I want the glory to go to Him...and I have to keep examining that my heart truly does this, not for the praises of man...then, I get my reward. I want His reward. You encourage ME Sharon!

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing
Jn. 14:15

Sharon Leaf said...

Ladies, you encourage me! May we all be inspired from God's Word, the only true way to live. Men always change their minds, but God never changes. Oceans of blessings to all.

Michelle Monet said...

I appreciate your post. I believe we MSUT write for ourselves and our 'inner voice'. We must follow that voice. To me, it is not God, perse but it is my own inner calling/muse.

All the books I read about 'how to be a writer' make it very clear.

ENJOY THE PROCESS, NOT THE OUTCOME.

www.michellemoent.com/blog

Sharon Leaf said...

Hi Michelle, I agree with you ... we must enjoy the process, not the outcome. I just finished my second book, Lady on the Run. It has been quite a process, but I have enjoyed every moment. As I look for an editor, publisher, etc, the journey continues. I wish you oceans of blessings in all you do. Thank you for stopping by.

On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!