Rise and Write

I have been using the YouVersion Bible App for years. One of the things I like about it is the extensive list of devotions available. You can choose the topic, how many days, and whether you wish to complete it on your own or with friends. The other day, I stumbled across an interesting choice - a devotion titled Rise and Write: Overcoming 3 Common Obstacles Christian Writers Face by Body and Soul Publishing. 

By now, you probably know that I would love to write a book about traditions. You may also know that I have started and stopped attempting to do so a bunch of times over the past few years. I have many reasons - some might call them excuses - as to why I just can't seem to get past a certain point. I was encouraged to start this blog to help me move forward with my book idea. I can't say it has been helping much, but I do love to sit down and write a post each week. 

But back to the YouVersion devotion. The introduction grabbed my attention immediately.

Writing is challenging and demanding on its own. But as Christian writers, we also face spiritual resistance that seeks to derail our writing projects. When our goal is to glorify God, who our spiritual enemy hates, we can be sure that obstacles of every kind will be placed in our writing path. 

Is that why I have been stuck for so long? I gave that some thought. I hadn't really considered if I am writing a Christian book, I just tried to start writing. But thinking about the traditions our family has, many of them are rooted in our faith. And we do not do some things that seemingly most people do, again, because of our faith.

Then I thought about who I am and who I want to be seen as. Yes, I am a mom of two adults and one teenager who has many years' worth of ideas and things to share. But even more, I am a Christ follower, and I want people to see Jesus in our family life. So, then I am a Christian writer, and I want my words--my traditions--to bring glory to God, as well as encouraging other moms. 

The rest of the first day of this devotion spoke to my heart and I love the final sentence: It's time to rise and write! Perhaps this is the perspective I need. I wasn't searching for a devotion on writing, but there it was. I am looking forward to reading the next three days and seeing if it helps to guide me as I write. 

If you have been reading along for the past few months and can think of someone who might be encouraged by my posts, can I ask you to share Seasoned Mama with them? Even if these words don't lead to a book, I would still love for others to read them here.