First, Elsheimer relates how she began to breathe out and stop the “avoidance dance”, the stalling or postponing of creative work, and just started. She relays how she must start writing before she knows what she will write. (p.88) I can relate to that. Early on in my writing career (ok, grade school) I was taught the value of “faucet writing” when I was given freedom to just write what came to mind. The first three or four lines were always nonsense, but soon the deeper thoughts started to flow and some that followed were even profound.

 
In the next paragraph, she speaks of serving the work as well, simply being available to create the work that God brings to us and when there is no inspiration, we must still “show up” just as we do for work. We are to set a time for creative work, “prime our creative pump” with exercises, pay attention and be ready when the inspiration arrives. Scheduling and praying over this concentrated time is key. (p.89)

 
The powerful quote by Leo Tolstoy opened my eyes to the important task of obeying God, and in so doing, contributing to the greater good of the world. Sometimes it is easy to forget that what we do, even if we only share it in a miniscule way, can have an eternal impact. (p.90)

 
I can really relate to the paragraph about distraction coming from the enemy of our creative souls. While the needs of others can be important, I pray for discernment on whether I should spend time with them or get on to my creative task for the day. (p.91) Later on, she writes about how he masquerades as a critic of our work as well. This concept can also apply to what we were taught as children about how to spend our time. Was creativity given importance in your young life or pushed to the bottom of a to-do list and do you put your creativity there now? Do you struggle with distractions of a similar spiritual nature and how do you or can you combat them? My note in the margin reads, “Substitute Scripture for the lies.” If you come upon some good verses, please share them in a comment.

 
A good point emerges when she writes that, by nurturing our artistic self, we will be better able to function in our other roles, including that of helping others. (p. 92) I especially like the thought of taking more time for my creativity while giving others more concentrated “quality” time with me. I want to focus on what He wants me to, delegate what I can and prune the rest off. (p. 92) To do this, I plan to schedule days for painting, writing and “field trips” in my calendar and make scheduling them a part of my lifestyle. Also, no phone calls (made or taken) during creative time, which means planning meeting with friends and others in advance.
 
What will help you zero in on this time to create?

 
On the next two pages she provides a series of questions to help us determine what we are afraid of when thinking of these areas. (p.94-95) My biggest fear is that other things for my home, family and general life will not get done and that someone or something will suffer. Do you want to share one of your fears?

 
To find and keep a seperate space for creativity seems to be a challenge for many artists I know and for me as well. I loved her advice to find one, dedicate it to God's creative work and make an agreement with family on its use. For those of us with children, the boundaries must be especially clear so our supplies stay intact and available. (p. 96-97)

 
A theme throughout the chapter is to not worry about the outcome of your work; its success or failure. Just produce, create and enjoy the process.

 
As I read the portion of Ephesians 6 which she includes. I began to circle certain words and ask myself what they had to do with my creativity. For example, what is the truth of my calling as a creative or its importance to salvation (mine or that of others)? Writing the answers validated my call all the more.

 
I love the concept of what I will call Spirit Room. Not just a place where we can focus on our projects, but space where the Spirit can inspire us. “Like the disciples, we have to place ourselves where the Spirit can meet us so he can open our hearts and our mouths to speak our 'new thing' “. (p. 103) So Elsheimer stresses that we need to attend to the work, be there and whether we are inspired to paint or not, work on our craft to be better prepared for those times when that inspiration “strikes”. (p.104)

 
“It is about discipline and perserverance, about setting aside a specific time and place for attending to the work... Begin with action, trusting God for the inspiraton.” (p.105)

 
Well done! See you for the review of chapter seven soon.