I'll be the first to admit it is hard to pick up a pen, or a keyboard, every day and commit to doing something like spiritual journaling. I've written on it before, and I'd like to be able to sit here and say it is something I have done every day without fail... but that's not true.
I used to write when I felt led, which was sporadically, especially when very busy from work. This morning, out of curiosity and knowing I hadn't used it in a while, I went to pick up the journal and look at it. The fact it was buried under some computer manuals at my desk (I've had a lot of computer problems lately) was not a good sign.
Sure enough the last date is: 10/27/2008.
Nearly a year ago???
It's also interesting to me what the last entry is about. I don't mind mentioning it because I referred to it in the past in this blog. My last entry revolves around examining things when I heard that my first spiritual teacher, and also a founding member of my in-person Creative Words to Spread the Word group, suffered a major stroke that would quickly take her life. I wonder what she'd think of me, not practicing well what I've tried to preach.
Part of me wants to say it is all the personal struggles I've suffered the last year that have kept me from being the most effective I can. I've been thrown a lot of curveballs personally and professionally. Yet, instead of using Spiritual Journaling to get closer to God and work through things, I threw it aside and locked it away. That's not to say I wandered away from my faith, but I will say I don't think I've been taking full advantage of it.
Why? Perhaps because I was too afraid to face some truth... or Truth.
My journal was started March 2006. It's not quite half done. March and April 2006 are exercises suggested by a book on Spiritual Journaling by Richard Peace that I was trying on my own (but designed for groups). After that, I have a couple entries from 2006 with a single focus then jump to a bunch in 2007 followed by a handful in 2008 with again a different but single focus.
Which leads me to ask, when does feeling led end up feeling conflicted by our own human fears?
And following that, even though this is more public than private, more electronic than handwritten, is what I've just written any less a form of spiritual journaling?
I'm happy to share my knowledge, but I certainty don't want to come off as some type of perfect saint on the matter, because I'm not. We can grow on this adventure together.
Comments welcome.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Blog Expectations - What You'll See Going Forward
In the past this blog served as supplemental to a physically based writing group, reprinting the group's brochures and for news announcements. These are one way forms of communication. A blog, however, is most effective when working as a two way communication with its readership, to some degree growing and flowing with those needs to fine tune.
The concept of the brochures/lessons will very much be in place, with the encouragement for people to use within their own writing groups everywhere or as self-study. However, also expect to see in the blog items such as:
- Single questions posted for the readership to ponder and respond to
- Exercises that are larger in scope than the brochures (an example might be a one week "exercise event" to actively encourage developing a character, with a phase of the exercise posted each day)
- Reflections on being a Christian and a writer from the blog's author for comment and insight
... and to be honest whatever else may be moved to happen. I'm not into putting limits on myself right now. Let's just see where the Spirit leads.
So here is the first question to the readership: is there anything you'd like to see to better help you as a Christian writer?
Blessings,
Shannon
The concept of the brochures/lessons will very much be in place, with the encouragement for people to use within their own writing groups everywhere or as self-study. However, also expect to see in the blog items such as:
- Single questions posted for the readership to ponder and respond to
- Exercises that are larger in scope than the brochures (an example might be a one week "exercise event" to actively encourage developing a character, with a phase of the exercise posted each day)
- Reflections on being a Christian and a writer from the blog's author for comment and insight
... and to be honest whatever else may be moved to happen. I'm not into putting limits on myself right now. Let's just see where the Spirit leads.
So here is the first question to the readership: is there anything you'd like to see to better help you as a Christian writer?
Blessings,
Shannon
Monday, June 29, 2009
Creative Words to Spread the Word Now Internet Based
This is a post to let it be known that Creative Words to Spread the Word is now totally moving to the Internet in terms of regular ministry. Also to clarify, it is my own ministry, and not one that has been run by my home church that I just happen to coordinate.
I am thankful that Wilshire Avenue Community Church provided the resources and ability to start Creative Words to Spread the Word as an in-person, small group ministry - and I may yet work with them for other in-person events - but situations have become such for me that running an Internet based ministry is the best use of my abilities for Christ.
More to come.
Blessings,
Shannon Muir
I am thankful that Wilshire Avenue Community Church provided the resources and ability to start Creative Words to Spread the Word as an in-person, small group ministry - and I may yet work with them for other in-person events - but situations have become such for me that running an Internet based ministry is the best use of my abilities for Christ.
More to come.
Blessings,
Shannon Muir
Friday, October 31, 2008
Founding Member of Creative Words to Spread the Word Is Now With the Lord
I received news that one of the founding members of Creative Words to Spread the Word at Wilshire Avenue Community Church passed on this morning. Her name was Norma, she loved poetry, and before she was part of the group, she also served as my first adult Sunday School teacher even before I had come to Christ after nearly two decades of teenage through post- college years of agnosticism and struggling intellectually with Christ. Norma taught me that being intellectual and being in Christ could indeed go hand in hand, and her belief and support behind me when I began the in-person writing group at the church was instrumental in my getting off the ground. I firmly believe she was brought into my life to make where I am today with my walk and ultimately this ministry possible.
That said, with the local group dwindling for this and other reasons that have called my initial core team elsewhere, I feel strongly on my heart that I am called to evolve this ministry to be one that reaches out to enable others in need of advice. He just called them to be somewhere else, and now it is time for me to do work on my own. Since Wilshire Avenue Community Church is still my home church, I consider it a ministry home base though it reaches a much wider scope. How that will affect my "brochure" lessons going forward since the primary audience won't be local I still have to reflect upon.
I pray and look forward to what He calls me to do next thanks to Norma's influence.
God welcome you into His arms, Norma... a good and faithful servant indeed.
That said, with the local group dwindling for this and other reasons that have called my initial core team elsewhere, I feel strongly on my heart that I am called to evolve this ministry to be one that reaches out to enable others in need of advice. He just called them to be somewhere else, and now it is time for me to do work on my own. Since Wilshire Avenue Community Church is still my home church, I consider it a ministry home base though it reaches a much wider scope. How that will affect my "brochure" lessons going forward since the primary audience won't be local I still have to reflect upon.
I pray and look forward to what He calls me to do next thanks to Norma's influence.
God welcome you into His arms, Norma... a good and faithful servant indeed.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Bringing Together Writers for Christ
BRINGING TOGETHER WRITERS FOR CHRIST
Writing as Part of the Body of Christ
How Writing Can Unite People to do Christ’s Work
---
BRINGING TOGETHER WRITERS FOR CHRIST
Writing is by nature a solitary activity. As individuals, we are also called to witness for Christ – but we are also reminded that together we are the body of Christ.
Many of the readily available pointers regarding secular writing groups apply to a Christian writing group in terms of organization. The key is always putting Christ in the forefront of everything. Open in prayer and ask him to bless how you critique one another. Remember to set the fundamental ground rule of sharing everything in love.
A Christian focused writing group need not solely be focused on inspirational material, though this ground rule should be set up early on. Some people may only be comfortable in a setting where stories that are heavily inspirational and drawn from scripture are shared, while other groups may be willing to be more wide ranged on subject matter provided it is analyzed against a Christian context. This ground rule needs to be set and established by the membership.
One of the biggest challenges, especially in churches with a small group of writers, is how to keep participants focused and energized. Figure out a balance of how often to meet, too little and people may lose interest but too much and people may feel pressured to produce material and not show up because they have nothing to share. Don’t make sharing a requirement of participation every week. Sharing should always be voluntary, though for the most effective group everyone should share. Recognize that people have busy schedules and everyone may not always attend all sessions – so be flexible!
Your church writing group, if enough interested participants, can also consider partnering for events with other ministries. Personally, one event I enjoyed doing was partnering with Womens’ Ministries. The event was on journal making – the event was on journal making, and I wove in a segment about journal writing. If there are not enough writers in your church to support a group, you see how you can use your God-given talents as a writer to support ministries in this way.
Pray and look to Christ to see what you can bring others together in your church to do for the Lord!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Do you want to know what you as a writer can better do for your congregation? Journal and pray about it. Think about all the ministries at your church and ways writing can strengthen them. If you identify an area, think of a plan of action and pray over that.
2) Reflect on 2 Corinthians 10. Paul speaks of the reaction his letters (writings) receive versus his appearance in person when he speaks. What inspiration can Christian writers draw from Paul?
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #10
Last revised: October 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Writing as Part of the Body of Christ
How Writing Can Unite People to do Christ’s Work
---
BRINGING TOGETHER WRITERS FOR CHRIST
Writing is by nature a solitary activity. As individuals, we are also called to witness for Christ – but we are also reminded that together we are the body of Christ.
Many of the readily available pointers regarding secular writing groups apply to a Christian writing group in terms of organization. The key is always putting Christ in the forefront of everything. Open in prayer and ask him to bless how you critique one another. Remember to set the fundamental ground rule of sharing everything in love.
A Christian focused writing group need not solely be focused on inspirational material, though this ground rule should be set up early on. Some people may only be comfortable in a setting where stories that are heavily inspirational and drawn from scripture are shared, while other groups may be willing to be more wide ranged on subject matter provided it is analyzed against a Christian context. This ground rule needs to be set and established by the membership.
One of the biggest challenges, especially in churches with a small group of writers, is how to keep participants focused and energized. Figure out a balance of how often to meet, too little and people may lose interest but too much and people may feel pressured to produce material and not show up because they have nothing to share. Don’t make sharing a requirement of participation every week. Sharing should always be voluntary, though for the most effective group everyone should share. Recognize that people have busy schedules and everyone may not always attend all sessions – so be flexible!
Your church writing group, if enough interested participants, can also consider partnering for events with other ministries. Personally, one event I enjoyed doing was partnering with Womens’ Ministries. The event was on journal making – the event was on journal making, and I wove in a segment about journal writing. If there are not enough writers in your church to support a group, you see how you can use your God-given talents as a writer to support ministries in this way.
Pray and look to Christ to see what you can bring others together in your church to do for the Lord!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Do you want to know what you as a writer can better do for your congregation? Journal and pray about it. Think about all the ministries at your church and ways writing can strengthen them. If you identify an area, think of a plan of action and pray over that.
2) Reflect on 2 Corinthians 10. Paul speaks of the reaction his letters (writings) receive versus his appearance in person when he speaks. What inspiration can Christian writers draw from Paul?
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #10
Last revised: October 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Inspired By the Word
INSPIRED BY THE WORD
Bringing the Word to Our Words
Using the Bible’s Truths to Strengthen Personal Creative Writing
---
INSPIRED BY THE WORD
The Holy Bible, also called the Word of God, collects the writings of early servants of the faith to bring its principles and truths into a single volume to hand down through generations. Today, there are writers among Christian believers, who have talents such as those of earlier times but while today’s Christian’s may not be called on to write words with the same level of impact as the Word, they still can use words for bringing the teachings of Jesus to the world.
The question arises for some as to what defines Christian writing, in particular Christian fiction writing. Some people feel that unless they are direct mention or hints at phrases of scripture, then the work isn’t Christian writing. Others say as long as characters exhibit Christian principles or are instructing other characters in Christian ways (whether blatantly or not) then that fits the definition.
Ultimately, this definition in the end seems to fall on a very personal level, just as each Christian has a personal walk with Christ. Also, for a Christian writer, it depends on what Christ leads that Christian to write about as to what will “feel” Christian to him or her.
When scripture references do appear in writing, the key is not to make scripture or tenants of Christian faith feel forced or preachy in any work. The elements should naturally flow from and on the page. A piece of writing must first and foremost be a solid piece of writing, as non-believers are far less likely to follow the message if the story itself is not engaging and credible enough for them.
That said, we should always turn to scripture to daily enrich ourselves as Christians – which in our busy world can be hard to do and I confess is still a struggle for me. In turn this should enrich us as we approach our daily walk in life and filter down without effort to our writing.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Read and reflect on James 1:5-7. What attitude should we have as Christians turning to God according to James? How can this apply to writers?
2) Look at 1 John 1: 15-17. John speaks about not loving the world or anything in it. How do Christian writers struggle with needing to understand the world while not being of the world in order to be relevant? Have you struggled with a personal experience about this? Pray or journal about it.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #9
Last revised: October 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Bringing the Word to Our Words
Using the Bible’s Truths to Strengthen Personal Creative Writing
---
INSPIRED BY THE WORD
The Holy Bible, also called the Word of God, collects the writings of early servants of the faith to bring its principles and truths into a single volume to hand down through generations. Today, there are writers among Christian believers, who have talents such as those of earlier times but while today’s Christian’s may not be called on to write words with the same level of impact as the Word, they still can use words for bringing the teachings of Jesus to the world.
The question arises for some as to what defines Christian writing, in particular Christian fiction writing. Some people feel that unless they are direct mention or hints at phrases of scripture, then the work isn’t Christian writing. Others say as long as characters exhibit Christian principles or are instructing other characters in Christian ways (whether blatantly or not) then that fits the definition.
Ultimately, this definition in the end seems to fall on a very personal level, just as each Christian has a personal walk with Christ. Also, for a Christian writer, it depends on what Christ leads that Christian to write about as to what will “feel” Christian to him or her.
When scripture references do appear in writing, the key is not to make scripture or tenants of Christian faith feel forced or preachy in any work. The elements should naturally flow from and on the page. A piece of writing must first and foremost be a solid piece of writing, as non-believers are far less likely to follow the message if the story itself is not engaging and credible enough for them.
That said, we should always turn to scripture to daily enrich ourselves as Christians – which in our busy world can be hard to do and I confess is still a struggle for me. In turn this should enrich us as we approach our daily walk in life and filter down without effort to our writing.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Read and reflect on James 1:5-7. What attitude should we have as Christians turning to God according to James? How can this apply to writers?
2) Look at 1 John 1: 15-17. John speaks about not loving the world or anything in it. How do Christian writers struggle with needing to understand the world while not being of the world in order to be relevant? Have you struggled with a personal experience about this? Pray or journal about it.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #9
Last revised: October 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Finding Time to Write... Finding Time for Christ
FINDING TIME TO WRITE... FINDING TIME FOR CHRIST
Writing as Part of a Balanced Walk With Christ
So much happens in our world it's hard to keep things healthy and in perspective…
---
FINDING TIME TO WRITE... FINDING TIME FOR CHRIST
In June of 2008, I made a big life shift. After over a decade in the same studio apartment, I moved to a new one bedroom place. Work schedules were disrupted. Things I knew how to easily find, such as my journals, wound up packed away in boxes I didn't get to for a while. Now everyday life doesn't always get quite so chaotic for most people (and I pray it isn't so for you), but this is a radical example of how things don't always stay on a same even course. For some people this can be very challenging as they do things best on a schedule, or other people just prefer to set aside some regular time to write - but the outside world often gets in the way. People also need to set aside regular time to be with Christ, whether through prayer or immersing themselves in the Word of the Bible. This can then, for some writers, lead to the dilemma of setting aside two blocks of time in a day.
Depending on what you write, the spiritual journal may be one solution to maximize and build on both your Christ and writing time. This solution is best for those whose personal writing topics lean toward autobiography, memoir, and Christian exploration. Converse with Him on paper instead of spoken prayer for part of your time, and see what deeper topics it triggers to write about. Though Christ knows all, sharing things with Him in this way may help you see them in a new light. This works less as a time management solution for the creative writer, but doing something similar in your personal time with Christ that help in discovering topics to explore in other types of writing that interest you depending on what you express to Christ about the world in which you live.
Christian creative writers have an additional struggle in that they need to manage more time each day. While these type of writers grow stronger in their faith through their subject matter, it does not substitute for taking time for a direct and personal walk with Christ. If you are one of these types of writers, you may need to focus a bit more than others might on Christ as your form of stress and life management in order to manage your time. Ideas may spring from your personal time with Christ that later blossom into stories, poem, and song!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Take a look at Matthew 29. Christ bids us to come to Him in our busy lives not only for rest but to learn from him. How do you feel you can best learn by spending more time with Christ?
2) Look at Phillipians 4:11. Paul wrote this book of the Bible as part of a house arrest imprisonment, and yet expresses that he is "content" with his situation. As a Christian writer, what steps can you take to become more content with your own circumstances?
3) Examine Proverbs 16:9. What guidance does it provide for planning our lives as writers and as Christians?
---
SERMON COMPANIONS
Sermons at Wilshire Avenue Community Church are available on CD or cassette and can be ordered at the table in the main entry (narthex). CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD suggests this sermon to order and listen to with the exercises in this booklet:
"Lightening the Load"
07/06/08
Pastor Kirk Mackie
Matthew 11:28-30
Writing is just one of the many things that fill our busy world. Pastor Kirk takes a look at how to make Christ the center of that busy world and look to Him to address stress management.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #8
Last revised: July 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Writing as Part of a Balanced Walk With Christ
So much happens in our world it's hard to keep things healthy and in perspective…
---
FINDING TIME TO WRITE... FINDING TIME FOR CHRIST
In June of 2008, I made a big life shift. After over a decade in the same studio apartment, I moved to a new one bedroom place. Work schedules were disrupted. Things I knew how to easily find, such as my journals, wound up packed away in boxes I didn't get to for a while. Now everyday life doesn't always get quite so chaotic for most people (and I pray it isn't so for you), but this is a radical example of how things don't always stay on a same even course. For some people this can be very challenging as they do things best on a schedule, or other people just prefer to set aside some regular time to write - but the outside world often gets in the way. People also need to set aside regular time to be with Christ, whether through prayer or immersing themselves in the Word of the Bible. This can then, for some writers, lead to the dilemma of setting aside two blocks of time in a day.
Depending on what you write, the spiritual journal may be one solution to maximize and build on both your Christ and writing time. This solution is best for those whose personal writing topics lean toward autobiography, memoir, and Christian exploration. Converse with Him on paper instead of spoken prayer for part of your time, and see what deeper topics it triggers to write about. Though Christ knows all, sharing things with Him in this way may help you see them in a new light. This works less as a time management solution for the creative writer, but doing something similar in your personal time with Christ that help in discovering topics to explore in other types of writing that interest you depending on what you express to Christ about the world in which you live.
Christian creative writers have an additional struggle in that they need to manage more time each day. While these type of writers grow stronger in their faith through their subject matter, it does not substitute for taking time for a direct and personal walk with Christ. If you are one of these types of writers, you may need to focus a bit more than others might on Christ as your form of stress and life management in order to manage your time. Ideas may spring from your personal time with Christ that later blossom into stories, poem, and song!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Take a look at Matthew 29. Christ bids us to come to Him in our busy lives not only for rest but to learn from him. How do you feel you can best learn by spending more time with Christ?
2) Look at Phillipians 4:11. Paul wrote this book of the Bible as part of a house arrest imprisonment, and yet expresses that he is "content" with his situation. As a Christian writer, what steps can you take to become more content with your own circumstances?
3) Examine Proverbs 16:9. What guidance does it provide for planning our lives as writers and as Christians?
---
SERMON COMPANIONS
Sermons at Wilshire Avenue Community Church are available on CD or cassette and can be ordered at the table in the main entry (narthex). CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD suggests this sermon to order and listen to with the exercises in this booklet:
"Lightening the Load"
07/06/08
Pastor Kirk Mackie
Matthew 11:28-30
Writing is just one of the many things that fill our busy world. Pastor Kirk takes a look at how to make Christ the center of that busy world and look to Him to address stress management.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #8
Last revised: July 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Power of Perspective
THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
Different looks at Christ at work in our world
Seeing Christ in various ways can open minds to His majesty and grace…
---
THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
Most of the time, someone will use their own experiences to share the majesty and love of Christ with others, whether or not the people being shared with know the Lord. There are times, however, when it helps to use someone else’s perspective – or point of view – to get a message across. This is different than just retelling a story about someone else in which you may have been involved and possibly changing names or facts to protect identities. Changing the perspective would be telling events as if you are that person. This can be helpful if you are trying to get the person you want to communicate with to see a situation in detail through another’s eyes and how Christ can be a help to the person you are describing. This would likely be most effective when trying to depict the everyday lives of people suffering from hunger, homelessness, or issues that are physical, emotional, or mental in nature. In order to help someone gain a more compassionate outlook for those needing Christ’s help, this can be an effective way for someone to better understand the issues.
The biggest risk in using a perspective that isn’t yours is a possible lack of authenticity. Even if all the facts are right, if the emotions aren’t properly captured the different perspective will not seem genuine and the receiver won’t connect. Make sure whatever you are saying is genuine, and do not persuade with lies! Also, if you are not clear to the receiver that this is a fictional character representing the kind of people you have encountered on your walk with Christ, the reader can mistake it as being your own experiences (even if the character does have a different name); if they believe incorrectly that the story is about you, become moved by it, and then find out it isn’t about you in any way he or she may feel hurt and not willing to listen to anything else you might have to say.
That’s not to say using your own perspective isn’t without challenges. While it is easier to be sure both facts and emotions are accurate, you also must be sure that you are not blinded too heavily by your own biases. Be open to where a skeptical receiver may challenge you and be willing to go deeper instead of getting defensive and personal; this kind of reaction may also turn someone away from listening further. In the end, it’s about getting someone to better understand Christ in our lives in a meaningful, non-deceptive way.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Contemplate Proverbs 8 and what it gives us to consider when deciding how to use perspective to convey Christ’s truths.
2) Tell a Bible story from someone else’s perspective based on known details.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #7
Last revised: April 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Different looks at Christ at work in our world
Seeing Christ in various ways can open minds to His majesty and grace…
---
THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
Most of the time, someone will use their own experiences to share the majesty and love of Christ with others, whether or not the people being shared with know the Lord. There are times, however, when it helps to use someone else’s perspective – or point of view – to get a message across. This is different than just retelling a story about someone else in which you may have been involved and possibly changing names or facts to protect identities. Changing the perspective would be telling events as if you are that person. This can be helpful if you are trying to get the person you want to communicate with to see a situation in detail through another’s eyes and how Christ can be a help to the person you are describing. This would likely be most effective when trying to depict the everyday lives of people suffering from hunger, homelessness, or issues that are physical, emotional, or mental in nature. In order to help someone gain a more compassionate outlook for those needing Christ’s help, this can be an effective way for someone to better understand the issues.
The biggest risk in using a perspective that isn’t yours is a possible lack of authenticity. Even if all the facts are right, if the emotions aren’t properly captured the different perspective will not seem genuine and the receiver won’t connect. Make sure whatever you are saying is genuine, and do not persuade with lies! Also, if you are not clear to the receiver that this is a fictional character representing the kind of people you have encountered on your walk with Christ, the reader can mistake it as being your own experiences (even if the character does have a different name); if they believe incorrectly that the story is about you, become moved by it, and then find out it isn’t about you in any way he or she may feel hurt and not willing to listen to anything else you might have to say.
That’s not to say using your own perspective isn’t without challenges. While it is easier to be sure both facts and emotions are accurate, you also must be sure that you are not blinded too heavily by your own biases. Be open to where a skeptical receiver may challenge you and be willing to go deeper instead of getting defensive and personal; this kind of reaction may also turn someone away from listening further. In the end, it’s about getting someone to better understand Christ in our lives in a meaningful, non-deceptive way.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Contemplate Proverbs 8 and what it gives us to consider when deciding how to use perspective to convey Christ’s truths.
2) Tell a Bible story from someone else’s perspective based on known details.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #7
Last revised: April 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Saturday, March 22, 2008
How Christian Character Produces Character
HOW CHRISTIAN CHARACTER PRODUCES CHARACTER
Strategies for Character Development in Christian Stories
Characters are important to any story but developing them can be a challenge. Biblical principles can give a starting point …
HOW CHRISTIAN CHARACTER PRODUCES CHARACTER
Consider two Biblical passages - Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (NIV) and 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this to your shame.” (NIV). Read each its larger context. Both passages emphasize how what goes on around someone can affect their personal character. This must be considered as much when writing Christian stories as it is dealing with people in everyday life.
In storytelling, there are two character levels, main characters and secondary characters. There are three main character types: the protagonist (hero), the antagonist (someone at odds with the protagonist), and the villain (who wants to stop the hero). Usually the villain and antagonist are the same character, but the antagonist does not need to always be the villain, such as two romantic rivals (protagonist and antagonist) fighting to rescue a woman they are both interested in from a third party that they both agree is a threat but each wants her for his own (villain). There are also secondary characters that work in support roles to each of the main character types, such as friends or servants.
Regardless of character type, each character has some attributes that are strong and others that are weak, and the story often involves the character growing by confronting weakness, or that weakness being used to some greater purpose in the plot. God can do the same using character weakness in people’s lives to move people to greater purposes and closer to Him.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Look at a biblical person in a Bible story. Consider this person’s personality in relation to the aspects of what constitutes a Christian character. Where is biblical person strong for Christ, and where do you see character defects? Were any of those defects used to God’s greater purpose?
2) Design a character that you could write about. Consider: physical looks, relationship status, kids, if introverted or extroverted, moral standards, fears, temperament, life attitude, ambitions, frustrations, interests, abilities, occupation, level of education, political affiliation and religion along with the strength of the character’s religious commitment. What are this character’s strengths and defects? Do you see this character as a protagonist, antagonist, villain, or a character that might function in a supporting role to one of these three types?
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CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #6
Last revised: March 2008
Based on the Prose Workshop of May/June 2006
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Strategies for Character Development in Christian Stories
Characters are important to any story but developing them can be a challenge. Biblical principles can give a starting point …
HOW CHRISTIAN CHARACTER PRODUCES CHARACTER
Consider two Biblical passages - Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (NIV) and 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this to your shame.” (NIV). Read each its larger context. Both passages emphasize how what goes on around someone can affect their personal character. This must be considered as much when writing Christian stories as it is dealing with people in everyday life.
In storytelling, there are two character levels, main characters and secondary characters. There are three main character types: the protagonist (hero), the antagonist (someone at odds with the protagonist), and the villain (who wants to stop the hero). Usually the villain and antagonist are the same character, but the antagonist does not need to always be the villain, such as two romantic rivals (protagonist and antagonist) fighting to rescue a woman they are both interested in from a third party that they both agree is a threat but each wants her for his own (villain). There are also secondary characters that work in support roles to each of the main character types, such as friends or servants.
Regardless of character type, each character has some attributes that are strong and others that are weak, and the story often involves the character growing by confronting weakness, or that weakness being used to some greater purpose in the plot. God can do the same using character weakness in people’s lives to move people to greater purposes and closer to Him.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Look at a biblical person in a Bible story. Consider this person’s personality in relation to the aspects of what constitutes a Christian character. Where is biblical person strong for Christ, and where do you see character defects? Were any of those defects used to God’s greater purpose?
2) Design a character that you could write about. Consider: physical looks, relationship status, kids, if introverted or extroverted, moral standards, fears, temperament, life attitude, ambitions, frustrations, interests, abilities, occupation, level of education, political affiliation and religion along with the strength of the character’s religious commitment. What are this character’s strengths and defects? Do you see this character as a protagonist, antagonist, villain, or a character that might function in a supporting role to one of these three types?
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #6
Last revised: March 2008
Based on the Prose Workshop of May/June 2006
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Why Should I Write?
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
A Question for All Christians
All Christians are called to witness and writing is one way to do that. No matter your skill level, find out why writing matters to Jesus and to you…
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
My name is Shannon Muir, and I founded Creative Words to Spread the Word. Since I first formed this ministry, I’ve been approached by people. Some are interested in active ministry involvement to explore their creative gift, others to simply encourage me as “cheering others on” is one of their spiritual gifts. I’ve also met with some people who come to me who admit that they “could never write, but wish they could” or have tried and become frustrated because they were not good at it.
Being “creative” is not just a matter of telling short stories or poetry. You can be “creative” in your own written testimony, simply in the words you choose to express it. That word choice, combined with your unique spiritual experience, is part of what makes it your personal testimony versus just a generic facts sheet. This also applies to how you choose to express items for the monthly church newsletter, the bulletin, or features on the church Web site.
Also, “writing” is not just confined to the written word in its final form. Outlines for documentaries about spiritual experiences, or even scripts for stage drama or videorecording have to be written.
Writers do not have to always do something that is publicly shared. Some people have more of a gift for writing that becomes public expression. Others can use it simply as a tool to further their personal Christian walk through spiritual journaling. So take a second look at what you do every day… you may already be writing for Christ and not know it!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Have you had an experience that strengthened you as a Christian, either for the good or the bad? Take some quiet time and write about it.
2) Do you have a favorite psalm or proverb? If a non-Christian were to read this and say “I don’t understand what this means,” how would you explain it to them and what it means to you personally? Now try writing those same words down.
3) Consider trying to retell a favorite bible story from another character’s point of view based on the scriptural facts you know.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #1
Last revised: December 2007
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
A Question for All Christians
All Christians are called to witness and writing is one way to do that. No matter your skill level, find out why writing matters to Jesus and to you…
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
My name is Shannon Muir, and I founded Creative Words to Spread the Word. Since I first formed this ministry, I’ve been approached by people. Some are interested in active ministry involvement to explore their creative gift, others to simply encourage me as “cheering others on” is one of their spiritual gifts. I’ve also met with some people who come to me who admit that they “could never write, but wish they could” or have tried and become frustrated because they were not good at it.
Being “creative” is not just a matter of telling short stories or poetry. You can be “creative” in your own written testimony, simply in the words you choose to express it. That word choice, combined with your unique spiritual experience, is part of what makes it your personal testimony versus just a generic facts sheet. This also applies to how you choose to express items for the monthly church newsletter, the bulletin, or features on the church Web site.
Also, “writing” is not just confined to the written word in its final form. Outlines for documentaries about spiritual experiences, or even scripts for stage drama or videorecording have to be written.
Writers do not have to always do something that is publicly shared. Some people have more of a gift for writing that becomes public expression. Others can use it simply as a tool to further their personal Christian walk through spiritual journaling. So take a second look at what you do every day… you may already be writing for Christ and not know it!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Have you had an experience that strengthened you as a Christian, either for the good or the bad? Take some quiet time and write about it.
2) Do you have a favorite psalm or proverb? If a non-Christian were to read this and say “I don’t understand what this means,” how would you explain it to them and what it means to you personally? Now try writing those same words down.
3) Consider trying to retell a favorite bible story from another character’s point of view based on the scriptural facts you know.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #1
Last revised: December 2007
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
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