A thought-provoking guest post from Donita Bundy. Did you know Christians were referred to as “People of the Book” at least 1400 years ago? I love that name. Even then, it was evident to the world that Christians and Jews were people who related to their God through story. Not only that, our Lord himself is the Word of God (John 1). To me this says that our God is a relational God. And when He’s not relating to us personally, He is telling stories of how He relates to us, … [Read more...] about God’s postal workers
Training to be a Christian writer
The other night, I was wrestling with a troublesome social justice issue in the manuscript for my crime novel set on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The research my scientist was undertaking didn’t lead his conflict with another character in the right direction, and it was subtly affecting the book as a whole. I was about to send my manuscript out to beta readers, and I wanted this particular glitch solved before I sent it, so I was working under a sense of stress. After ruminating and … [Read more...] about Training to be a Christian writer
Breathing Time: 30 Seconds to Change Your Life
An inspiring and encouraging guest post from copywriter, Dawn Dicker. When Donita Bundy posted about how the intimacy of spending time alone with God “evaporated as soon as I stepped back into the slipstream of life,” she nailed my problem. Scripture memorization, daily declarations, prayers to better share God’s love—all melted away in the pressures of the day. Donita spoke of “timeout” with God and invited us to reflect on what worked for us. That made me think: Had I had overlooked … [Read more...] about Breathing Time: 30 Seconds to Change Your Life
Christian writers and self-doubt
Uncertainty can dog Christian writers, and it often takes us by surprise. We expect to be all calm and spiritual, not scared and hiding under a blanket. Why does it happen? Imagination is deeply personal Baring our imagination and creativity is intimidating. It’s a window to the soul. When someone rejects or judges our creativity, it cuts deep. John Cleese is quoted as having said: “Nothing will stop you being creative so effectively as the fear of making a mistake.” This fear can … [Read more...] about Christian writers and self-doubt
Gracewriting: Creativity that nourishes
An Australian Gracewriter, Eliza, has allowed us to reproduce her thoughtful and beautiful poem on the blog this week – her thoughts that have sprung from the coronavirus isolation. Thank you, Eliza! The Source © Eliza 2020, used by permission A response I love this poem's sense of nature continuing in its cycles and also adapting to less disruption from us... but also of human souls as part of the creation, continuing, adapting and returning to the One who made us. I've … [Read more...] about Gracewriting: Creativity that nourishes
When we can’t seem to stay close to God…
A thoughtful guest post by author, blogger and photographer, Donita Bundy. After spending time last week with God in isolation – curled into the foetal position from debilitating chronic pain – the intimacy evaporated as soon as I stepped back into the slipstream of life. Last week’s connection has been replaced with busyness and clutter. I still read my Bible and pray, but … helping my children learn from home, trying to catch up on word count targets, a new photography project, and … [Read more...] about When we can’t seem to stay close to God…
When Christian writing is a battlefield
While I was preparing this topic for Gracewriters this week, my computer suddenly went dark and quiet and smelled like burnt toast. Stuff happens, but it’s interesting timing. Other Christian writers are facing heightened challenges at this time, from practical difficulties to flare-ups of chronic illnesses to conflict at home. It’s important not to over-spiritualise all the difficulties we have in this world. But we also do need to remember that as Gracewriters we have gone into battle … [Read more...] about When Christian writing is a battlefield
Easter, behind closed doors
This week, Gracewriters welcomes guest contributor Donita Bundy, with inspiration and encouragement to point us toward Jesus during this very strange Easter 2020. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, the day we remember and celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, an animal symbolising humility, peace and Davidic royalty. The streets of Jerusalem would have been packed, and charged with an excitement so electric you could’ve tasted it. The hordes of cheering … [Read more...] about Easter, behind closed doors