Encouragement From Green Gables

by | Jan 18, 2011 | God's grace, inspirational fiction | 13 comments

I’m feeling sorry for Anne Shirley. Or I’m feeling LIKE Anne Shirley when she dyed her hair green.

Almost.

I’m borderline ‘depths of despair’ with my writing, so I’m taking a moment to sympathize with Anne and bellyache to cyberspace.

Ever been there. Life takes over and writing…well, it drops into the depths. Gone. Nonexistent until an unforeseen future time when everything else slows down a little.

So…all those stories in my head, have to wait.

Ever been frustrated by that? Lost in the shuffle of reality, tough critiques, dulled creativity, or NO time.

What do you do to inspire creativity?

Motivation?

Hope?

Well, besides the three BIG words I try to remember (Patience, Perseverance, & Prayer), I thought I’d share some inspiration from Anne of Green Gables.

Five ‘Finds’, A ‘Write’, and a ‘Look’.

FIND TIME TO EMOTE!

 

Yeah, express my emotions. That can take various forms, but I find that just singing, talking, or praying really loudly in my van while I’m driving down the road works for me. When I have five minutes, I’ll jot down my feelings into my journal. There’s just something about getting out the frustration with pen and paper that helps me bring things into perspective.

(Plus, writing about it allows me the opportunity to use it later in my novels 🙂

FIND A LISTENER

It sure makes me feel a whole lot better when someone will just listen to my whining and frustration. It happened recently with Patti Lacy – and what an encouragement she provided. It was a down-in-the dumps week, when writing was as possible as full-night’s sleep with a newborn. I just needed to spill my heart to someone who ‘got it’. Not that my mom and my hubby aren’t good listeners, but a fellow writer ‘gets’ what nonwriters can’t.  It was such a relief and comfort.

 FIND A MOMENT TO BE CRAZY

Laughter and silliness can knock a foul mood out of the way about as well as chocolate. Looking for just a few minutes to have fun, laugh, eat chocolate, laugh, eat chocolate…oh wait, I’m stuck… play Wii with my kids, read jokes, watch a romantic comedy, look at family pics, going ice skating (when you’re naturally clumsy) – all of those things loosen up the tension and help those feelings of frustration dissipate.

 FIND SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU

A good hug goes a LOOOOOOONG way. It supports the ‘good listener’ idea that somebody cares about me even when I’m not my ‘cheery’ self. That I can be genuine and grumpy, and still be loved. The depths don’t seem to be as deep when I look at it from the arms of someone who loves me.

 

 FIND INSPIRATION

For me, inspiration is EVERYWHERE. But when I shake off the sad-cloak and open my eyes to what’s around me, REALLY open my eyes, there are new ideas waiting to be explored. And, God will provide the time to write them. Daydreaming is a great way to pull myself out of my own gloom and jump back into the God-given realm of creativity. Just considering what God can do with only his Word or His fingers, it should spark awe and creativity – and a jolt of reality.

He’s in control and it’s okay.

Psalm 8:3

3 When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,

What is man that you are mindful to him?

Mankind that you care for them?

Sometimes all I have, and all I really need, is a few minutes alone to meditate on Him and His love. The story He’s writing in my life in this very moment, clears up the fog self-doubt and frustration conjure up inside my spirit.

WRITE WHEN YOU CAN

When I realize 1-5 and put things into perspective, then my depths aren’t quite so deep anymore and I stop. Think. And realize I can only do what I CAN do. So…

I write when I can. In the nooks and crannies of my life. At stoplights. In carline. For ten minutes before bed until my eyelids won’t stay open. During my lunch break.

God’s called me to this amazing writing world – and He’ll take whatever I can give.

He sees my heart and that’s a BIG encouragement.

 LOOK HEAVENWARD

Everything else falls into place when I get my mind off of me and in the write…er…right place.

On Christ.

Somehow, for His own good pleasure, He’s given me the desire and (hopefully) talent to write. He hands out the talents.

He also hands out the timing.

I just need to remember it and use my talents (whenever I can) for His glory.

Basically in EVERYTHING I do, do it with my whole heart for the glory of God. I really have no reason to despair – EVER!

We have an eternal hope and a God who has placed us in time-cramped, or frustrating, or heartbreaking places  because…

He loves us – and knows exactly what we need to make us more like Him. For our good.  Even the yucky stuff.

WOW!

I’m humbled.

In fact- just ’emoting’ through this post has helped me feel a whole lot better and put things into a proper perspective.

Does life get messy sometimes? Do you ever fall flat on your face in the muck of self-doubt? Are we discouraged and frustrated sometimes? Do we desperately need a rescue from ourselves or the pain sometimes?

Yes. Yes. Yes. & Yes.

And lucky us, Our Heavenly Father’s provided just that – pulled us out of those murky depths of despair and given us eternal hope.

 God places our feet on His mountain. From a God’s-eye view, all these troubles are very small and His love is extraordinary.

A true inspiration.

13 Comments

  1. Aimee

    What an amazing, thoughtful, godly and inspiring read! There’s no doubt in my mind God’s given you the talent.

    Bless you sister for writing THIS!

    Psalm 37:23-24

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Aimee,
      So glad I could bless you! Even in the middle of my whining. That is SOOOO like God! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sherrinda

    Awww, sounds like someone needs a phone call. 🙂
    Like Aimee, I have no doubt that God’s blessed you with an amazing talent. He will bring about His plan in due time, I’m sure of it. While you wait, you can emote to me anytime. (and I will try to remember to call you back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

    (((hugs)))

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Oh Sherrinda, I am all for a phone call.
      Don’t know when I could manage one, but I love it!

      Reply
  3. patti

    Pepper, you are on my prayer list, dear one. I pray god grants those “WINDOWS.”
    And could I borrow a few plots:)????

    Blessings,
    Patti

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Patti,
      Thanks so much. I appreciate you and your support.
      Unfortunately, none of my ideas are women’s fiction 🙂

      Reply
  4. Casey

    I’m sorry Pepper! Those times are so hard to walk through, but you WILL pull through this valley, I have no doubt! I wish I could hug you! But since I can’t I hope you can “feel” The pull of a hug through cyerspace. (((Hugs!!)))

    You know my number. 😉

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Case,
      You sweetie. When can you come to Tennesse for a visit?

      Reply
      • Casey

        I know!!!!! I want to come soon. 😀

        Reply
  5. audra

    Pepper, here is a hug flying your way as we speak (or type). Oh my, girlfriend. I do not think you have any issues emoting!! When the good Lord poured words into you for your lifetime, I think He gave you a full-size trunk load!!

    LOL!

    Oh Pepper, Pepper, don’t be blue
    I’m a prayin’ just for you!

    Keep your chin up, sweets. God’s got amazing things planned for you!!

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Audra,
      You are wonderful!
      And I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Truly.
      I’ve talked about you so much since coming back from ACFW, because I just felt this immediate connection with you.
      Thank you for your kindness…and yeah, I’m good at emoting…and talking too.
      I guess I chose the right profession – both as a writer, and as a speech-language pathologist 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jamie Carie

    Pepper, have you ever thought about writing non-fiction too? In your spare/spare time? 🙂 You have such a way of lifting me up and encouraging me with your blog posts that I would love to read a whole book of this stuff!
    I know God has big plans for you! Thanks for being so real!!
    Hugs!

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Thanks, Jamie.
      That’s so encouraging.
      Yes, I’ve thought of writing nonfiction, but that’s an even tougher world to break into than fiction (from what I understand)
      I’ve thought about examining the Characters who met Jesus and figuring out what we can learn as writers and Christians from them 🙂
      Even examing Jesus’ own character and the way his personality is described and developed through the new testament

      Reply

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