This was not supposed to be today’s post. I’ve had Wednesday’s, May 24th post penciled in my planner for three weeks. It’s a hard one to write and I know I’m supposed to write it because it was confirmed, first-hand, at the Dollar General this past Saturday morning. However, the Spirit of God dropped this into my heart on Sonday afternoon as I binge watched Fixer Upper after church and lunch with a dear friend. It was a rainy day. I was in my favorite spot, yellow recliner, living room, at the window, Sam at my feet, iPad in my lap, Chip Gaines making some goofy joke, Jo-Jo rolling her eyes and plop goes today’s title.
Yes, Lord.
You see that’s how God works with me. He first gives me a title. I write it down. I look at it for (sometimes) weeks, definitely days.
My heart overflows with a good theme…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45.1 (NASB)
That good theme? At times is a hard theme. I am 66.5 years old. I have been writing for 58 years. I began writing my first book in the 90’s. The Lord told me to start writing devotions. He named me A PRUNED BRANCH…ouch.
His pruning shears came out. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. (John 15)
Did I say He chopped? Oh, He was relentless.
Change of employment. Rebellious children. Broken marriage. Near-poverty. Unemployment. New business. Money. Disappointment. Rebellious children (oh yeah, I mentioned that!). Dysfunctional relationships. Broken covenant.
For 10-15 years He wielded those pruners like a pro-gardener. He’s the best you know. After all, His work began in a garden – He knows a thing or 102 about gardening. About pruning. About producing good fruit vs. bad fruit. About branches. About burn piles. Yes, HE IS THE MASTER GARDENER.
And, I was His branch. His Pruned Branch.
There’s a book by that name. A book that, in all truth and reality, took ten years to finish. It can be found here.
Even THIS post is being steered by HIM. The words penned, fingers guided by Him. My friends, I don’t write what I want to. I write what I have to. Here it is in a nutshell, a list. Because for some reason we all LOVE lists. Ready?
- I do not write what I wish to write.
- I do not write fluff and fun (well, once in a while FUN!!!)
- I do not write with any one person in mind.
- I do not write whimsy and tickling words.
- I do not write unless I am guided by … Holy Spirit.
- I do write His way.
- I do write His theme.
- I do write when He prompts me.
- I do write only His ideas.
- I do agonize. I analyze. I write. I delete. I write. I edit. I write. I go back.
Get my drift? This is God’s work. This writing I do? It’s His work. He called me to it. And, He tells me what to say and how to say it. I never intend to hurt, mis-use, insult, anyone.
My Writing Coach is in charge of me…my words are His words. Every jot and tittle is in agreement with His written word.
I write with holy conviction not fleshly uncertainty. Even these words weren’t what “I had in mind.”
P.S. This morning as I read – or do you call this savoring Madeleine L’Engle’s words in Walk on Water (thank you Julie) I read…
You are looking outward, and that above all you should not do now. Nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way. Go into yourself. Search for the reason that bids you to write; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write. This above all – ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: Must I write? Delve into yourself for a deep answer. And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a strong and simple “I must,” then build your life according to this necessity; your life even into its most indifferent and slightest hour must be a sign of this urge and testimony to it. Rilke, Letters to a Living Poet.
P.P.S. How do I not think of Jeremiah’s words?
When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke. But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! Jeremiah 20.8-9
xo
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Glimpses of His Beauty, Salt and Light, Warriors of the Word, Heart Encouragement, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Grace and Truth, Faith-Filled Friday, Seeking God, Inspire Me Monday, Glimpses of His Beauty.
So. Good.
XO
Tammy
Thank you, friend. xo
Good Morning, Susan. I’m with you … listening to His direction, writing when He leads, trying to discern what He wants me to share, partnering with Him in blogging.
What an adventure walking with Him has turned out to be.
The Great Adventure of all time! Thanks, Linda.
This is some powerful stuff. Pruning is a big concept in my life, as well. And it is painful sometimes! I like the words you quoted about looking inside to see if you should write, but I couldn’t help thinking we ought to acknowledge that it is all the way inside to where the Spirit resides that we look for confirmation of our writing, or any other vocation we are compelled to chase. And it is easy to see that you draw your strength and wisdom from that deep well. Blessings!
I pray so, Liz. My ear is tuned99% of the time!
I’ve definitely had these times, too, where what I plan to write is nothing like the finished product. But the writing is more about the obedience to God and less about the words on the page. This was encouraging! Thank you! Stopping by from Coffee for Your Heart.
Rebekah, IT happens to me all the time!!!
Lovely, Susan. Sometimes it is hard to write. We are called to write the hard stuff sometimes!
Hugs dear friend.
Ifeoma, often…right?
Thank you for condoning bravery and allowing no less.
Lisa Anne, like the way you put that!
Yes.
And there are times when it’s so hard to write that I begin to believe that the smart thing to do would be to quit and find something easier to do. But then there’s that calling. . .
And it is THAT calling that constrains us. Thanks, Michele.
I love that you put it all out there. I am nothing without God and when He called me to write I knew that if it was going to continue it would always be because of Him.
We are working and learning about pruning right now in my discipleship group. I love that even though it may hurt God does it so we may show his glory.
I write because I must and that is the calling God has laid on me too.
And, that calling? IS MORE THAN ENOUGH! Oh to be faithful and brave. Thanks, Mary.
This reminds me of yesterday’s reading in my 2 Peter FB Bible study. We were at 2 Peter 1:21, where Peter was talking about the word of God being written by men who were carried along by the Holy Spirit. My reflections on that passage were that every bit of what I do (or write) that is good and furthers God’s purposes is inspired by the Holy Spirit. So I’m right there (write there!) with you on this issue, Susan! Thanks for reminding us who is the ultimate Writer of our faith-based blogs.
And, all the faith bloggers said…..AMEN. Thanks Beth.
God has given you the talent of writing to help get “his word” out there. You are doing “The Lord’s work” keep up the good work.
I am honored to do His work. I love Him so, Mer’.
I believe you. When a person can take a message and help others grow in their knowledge and understanding about God in it, I believe them when they say what you have. I agree we write because we have to (when God directs)…it is akin to a small fire within that has to come out. Love you Susan!
A burning fire…Megs!
A great post and a great connection to writing and sharing the story God has for each of us to share.
Sweet Amanda, thank YOU.
I love this! It’s so easy to think that everyone else’s way should be our way. But no ma’am (who am I? I don’t even say ma’am!) The only way you need to walk in is the one He calls you to. The end.
Keep doing what you’re doing friend. And thank you for reminding me to do the same 🙂
Becky, we are to remind one another. YES, LORD!
Susan,
I love reading about your journey! (And for the record, you’re the hippest-66-year-old I know!) You can’t contain the words God gives you to speak to others and that’s the most wonderful story of all! xoxo
HUGE compliment, thank you Valerie!!!
I like the title, “A Pruned Branch.” That’s what He does when we are grafted into the vine. No pruning, no fruit. And if no fruit, we are pruned away … so we might as well embrace it!
Love your disclaimer!
May as well, Jerralea!
Wow! Susan, I’m there with you. Though my family is intact, much of what you spoke about is me. I never thought of being the pruned branch, per se. But God has been good.
It’s hard sometimes to write the words He gives us but the consequences are even harder. God bless!
UGH, those consequences of disobedience. Been there, done that. Don’t want to go back. Thanks Mandy.
Gah! I love you so! (And All the Yes and Amens!!!)
And all the people said, “Yes and Amen!”
Yes Amen!! Especially since I am reading “A Pruned Branch” right now, & the shears are busy again. But He is a GOOD Gardener! ♡
Do you still love me, Bettie? You are reading all my dirt.
Yes, I love you even more now! Your heart for Jesus inspires me!
YOU my friend are most gracious!!!
This is so good Susan? Writing can be incredibly hard. I retired from my real job so why do I push myself to do something I don’t need to do? I could spend a whole lot more time enjoying my yard and meeting up with “real” people. Yet I love to write and it feels like it is what I need to do.
Thanks for sharing my friend
He constrains us. Yes?
Yes!
Oh my, Patricia, sometimes I feel the same way. I could have so much free time if I didn’t write. Pursue other hobbies and have free evenings. Yet it comes back to the L’Engle’s quote. A part of me would die if I didn’t write.
Theresa, we’d be dead writers walking!
This is great, Susan! My sentiments exactly.
Don’t like what I write? Blame the Almighty.
If you dare.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-314-milestones.html
And, He IS God enough to take it. Amen, Andrew!!!
I love this, Susan! I get what you are saying very clearly! I sensed the Lord gave me a title while sittting in church on Sunday. I don’t know if it is for a post or a book so I will wait. I pray daily for life-giving words to write and then when I read some posts I scratch my head and say, “Really, Lord? Is this what you wanted from me.” So appreciate your heart and obedience!!
You know what is said about obedience….it’s better than…. xoxoxo
” I don’t write what I want to. I write what I have to.” I often feel this same way, Susan. I’m glad to have the Spirit leading the ideas and guiding us to the words.
Lisa, so many yeses!!!
Loved this, Susan. This is my heart for writing as well. Although sometimes God gives me fun stuff, it’s never at my planning. I have been praying about these very things this morning!
Oh yes, Ginger, I love fun too and certainly share it on my blog every chance I get!!!
I love this reminder, Susan, that writing is about calling and submitting to the One who called us. Thank you, sweet friend, for submitting to God’s leading and honoring Him with your words.
Sweet blessings to you!
Blessings to you, Crystal.
Amen! Thank you for articulating what is true of my blogging journey.
The first year the Lord ensured that I depend on Him and Him alone for content. To the point that I didn’t know what I was going to blog about until I sat down at the computer. Not even an inkling, but week after week, he brought forth a blog post that surprised even me!
Now, like you, I jot down ideas, but each week, the Lord leads me to what He wants me to write about and like yesterday, it was something totally different than what I thought I might write about.
I am so glad that you mentioned that you don’t write with “someone in mind”. I can honestly say that I forget that ANYONE will read my posts let write directed at someone, and in essence, in my head, it’s like a journal between me and God. I truly forget how many people will read.
Thanks so much for sharing your heart here.
Karen, thanks for visiting and sharing.
Susie,
Your friendship is a great blessing! I thank you for your willingness to share and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit even when The world is calling with all its distractions.
Wishing you a Son-shiney day even if it’s raining
PS See you soon
YES, SOON.
Loved hearing your conversations with your Father (we obviously have the same One – haha!) Thanks for sharing your heart and I will continue to learn much from you. I sorta feel that way about speaking but then I write out most of what I speak so it’s the same. Wondering what God has in store for me this new birthday year. I wrote this morning: to be God’s virtual assistant! not that He needs to hire me, but it’s a good focus – putting Him on display 24/7 . now.. to finish my book (today) – will send it to you for a launch but not til after yours!
PS Really? A yellow recliner? I knew I liked you.
Love your new year focus. God’s V.A. He likes me best though.
So much good here, Susan! I cannot write to a schedule unless He gives the schedule. I write when I am compelled to write, led by Him, and it is often as a result of the ‘pruning’ in my life. I always pray that my writing brings Him glory and helps somebody somewhere according to His plan. I pray that I never write anything that causes anyone to be confused about who He is. I pray for wisdom. Blessings to you as you yield to Him!
Carlie, well then, we are kindred writer souls!
Susan, I admire your obedience. I couldn’t help but think about the recent online discussions about faith bloggers and the implication that many are going their own way. Clearly, you’re on a path that is set solely by the Master’s leading and I pray that I too will follow suit.
Blessing to you!
Marva, thank YOU for the encouragement. My own way? Oh Lord have mercy we’d all be in trouble!!!
I had to look at the by-line to see if my name was there! Your story is my story…almost word for word! It is good to know He prunes the branches who will allow Him access. I have a post that is in that stage right now. Waiting on Him for final direction.
Thank you for sharing your heart. Continue writing, He’s not done with you yet!
Stopped by from Faith ‘n Friends.
Thank YOU, Cindy – so glad to get the confirmation!
I have felt hose pruning shears often, maybe I should say more often than not! He knows what He is doing and though I am long way from being perfect, I am a better person today than I was yesterday. I am so thankful that He is still in the pruning business!
Me too Betty.
BIG AMEN. Praise God for His amazing desire to not only call us His own and have personal relationship but to work through us by His Holy Spirit. I find that the Holy Spirit works the same way through writing, talking, praying etc. If we submit and allow Him to have His way it is amazing what He does, glory to God! Thank you for being obedient to Him.
Sybella, you are new to HopeHeartHome, I’m so glad you are here.
Yes I am. Thank you very much Susan for the welcome. I came across some blog posts as I was looking up writing and came across your site. I’m looking forward to learning more about 5 minute Friday and hoping I remember to do it!
Early in our friendship as Christian sisters we co-wrote and published a newsletter for women, The Vine. Susan’s writing then was good but as with wine, it has gotten better over time. One reason that her writing means so much to me is that I know her personally, everyday, good, bad, ugly and more ugly. SHE LIVES WHAT SHE WRITES. There is no hypocrisy in her. Not perfect but being perfected. I count it a joy to have her for a friend, a true friend.
Oh my good goodness, friend…I am humbled, greatly humbled by these words. You’ve witnessed some ugly pruning on this vine, amen? Yes, Lord!
WOW!
Thank you! I am just getting ready to start a blog, and this has been so true for me. I have experienced many of these feelings. Often I feel as if I were writing 2 posts, and can’t see how they fit together just yet. Your writing is beautiful! Thank you, Debra
Debra, IF I can be of any assistance, please email me.
Amen Susan – ain’t it the truth – we don’t write our words – we write His words- He orchestrates, directs and we in turn are just obedient vessels, or pens, or ??? in His hand….Blessings and thanks for linking up with #TuneInTHursday last week – hope to see you tomorrow.
Larry & I will see YOU on Saturday afternoon. WOO HOO.