By Carrie Padgett, @CarriePadgett
True confession: In the last month, I’ve spent more time watching Top Chef than reading my Bible.
I need:
- motivation to accomplish goals.
- deadlines to force me to my desk to write.
- an upcoming trip to help me keep walking and stay semi- “in shape.”
- a weekly Bible study to keep me in the Word.
When my group Bible study broke for the summer, I stopped reading my Bible. Oh, I’d do an occasional devotional reading. Attend church every week and take notes. Open my Bible app and read a little. But I neglected to nurture and feed my relationship with the Lord.
I only figured it out when I opened my current story and found myself staring at a blank screen and—to quote You’ve Got Mail as Kathleen explained her inability to have a witty comeback when provoked—there was “Nothing. Even now, days later, I can’t figure it out.”
Thankfully, unlike Kathleen, I did figure it out. I did what most people do when at the end of themselves.
I prayed.
“Lord, help me find words. Give me a vision for the story.” On and on, I whined, asking God to help me.
True confession continued: I’m not a young woman. I’ve been in these droughts before. And the answer is always the same:
- Turn to God.
- Dig into His Word.
- Be in His presence.
I have a Bible study that I’ve started on my own the last three summers. Yep, not a typo. Three years, I’ve been working on one study. I have the first two lessons nailed. I know the verses and the principles taught. It’s Lesson 3 and after that I’m iffy on because I run out of interest doing it on my own.
So instead of doing that study again (and being prideful about how well I nailed those first 25 pages), I decided to try something new.
I searched my Kindle and Mt. TBR (what I call the stack of books waiting To Be Read) for a Bible study or a commentary or a “Christian Living” book I hadn’t read yet. I found (cue the angels’ chorus) a paperback Bible study workbook in Mt. TBR. (And I had the companion digital book.) I ordered DVDs of the video teaching and started refilling my tank. I’m only in Lesson 2, and we know my track record after the first couple lessons, but I’m enjoying this one, and think it may stick this summer.
Most people tune out the safety demo at the beginning of a flight. But the important element is in the middle.
We’re instructed to put on our own air masks before helping others. Before making sure our children or elderly parents or a disabled person nearby has their mask. Before.
In other words, take care of yourself before you attempt to help others.
It’s a good reminder that in order to pour God’s Love and Truth into my stories, I need to have my Love & Truth tank filled to overfilling. Then the overflow can trickle down to my family, friends, and readers.
Taking care of myself isn’t selfish. It enables me to better serve others in my life. That’s why I walk, and (try to) eat healthfully, and read my Bible, and spend time with God. Because what’s good for my loved ones and readers, is good for me, too.
All she wants is a fresh starts.
He’s not looking to fall in love.
But it’s a recipe for romance.
Carrie Padgett thinks nuts take up room where chocolate ought to be. She also believes in faith, families, fun, and happily ever afters. She’s an empty nester who lives in Central California, far from Hollywood, San Francisco, and the beach, but close to the mountains. She shares her home with her husband, a deaf dog, and entitled cat. When not reading or writing, she’s usually spending time with one or all of her six grandchildren or traveling. She writes contemporary women’s fiction with sweet romance, humor, and a touch of sass.