Sometimes I write for nothing. Why would I do such a thing? And why should you?
1. When we give our time and talents with no expectation of return, we’re saying “Thanks” to God for all He’s given us.
2. We gain experience when we practice our craft, whether we receive a paycheck or not.
3. Working free is a means of planting seeds for future paying jobs (see Galatians 6:7).
4. All publishing (speaking, singing, working) credits added to our resume’ count, whether we earned money for them or not.
5. We show love to others when we volunteer our services. And love is the greatest thing in the universe.
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| Kitty love |
Writing makes me feel more alive, plain and simple.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
I feel as though my writing is a gift from God and I should give it away alot!!
ReplyDeletePlanting seeds and sowing and reaping, this is part of the reason why I write for free sometimes. Love your list!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen ;)
I think that's why I find my blog such a distraction. I write for the sheer love of it. It's where I express my feelings about things and get instant feedback.
ReplyDeleteSo good, Jen. You're exactly right. It's like tithing our time and our talent. I can't wait to look up that verse now. I jotted it down and I'll grab my Bible soon.
ReplyDeleteI expect the Lord to bless you greatly for all you give to others, dear.
Love you,
Rhonda
I feel like I'm doing something that the Lord wants me to do when I write. I'm not entirely sure waht He's going to do with it - but I expect He'll expose that sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteSo far all my writing has been for free and it all goes into the "practice" pile. I need lots of that. Lifting it to God in thanks is something I need to do more of too.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. Most of my writing to date has been for free.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The little we might make doesnt really amount to enough to worry about, unless we are writing for a living. Im just blessed to be used by God. But you need to save your pennies so you can come to our conference next year my friend! It's going to be great!
ReplyDeleteHugs.
In the past four years, I have realized how much I love to write and how much healing comes from it. I was very insecure about others reading my musings, but not of late. I pray to the Holy Spirit and if I misplace a comma or misuse the wrong word, it's fine now. The Holy Spirit will always get His message across. I pray to have the opportunity to grow and share this love with others.
ReplyDeleteGiving with love is a gift. Giving with pay is sustenance. I think we need both-unless you are wealthy, that is. :)
ReplyDelete"Give, and it shall be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall men pour into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye meet withal it shall me measured to you."
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing, and this you are an example to me to take the God at His word!
Oooh, good question. Hmmm. I don't really have any talents to offer, but I do nursery at church because I like children and I know nursery workers are needed. I don't offer much for free besides that.
ReplyDeleteI'd charge my husband for trying to make me cook if I could. :-)
Hi Jen -
ReplyDeleteAs with all things in life, I pray about the opportunities that come my way to volunteer. Right now, I'm writing my church's blog. In the past, I've done a number of freebies.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hello, Jeanette, It's so nice to meet you! Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am looking forward to getting to know you better. Have a great week! Karen
ReplyDeleteAhhhh... it's good to be back. I took some time away, but what fun to catch up with my blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your posting! Good thoughts.
I do a lot of sewing and have wanted to sell the things I make, however, I always end up giving them away instead. It's a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Laura
Yes, I do love to give my God-given talents, especially to things I'm passionate about. That's why I work with teenagers in reding and writing. But, on the other hand, I get very tired of people who assume Christian artists should give everything away because their talent a gift from God. Is talent at plumbing or car repair a gift from God? Should those people be giving everything away? No one argues that. But many, many assume writers and musicians are in another category and don't deserve fair pay for what they do. Paul would not approve. Thanks, as always, for good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJill: I agree with you; Paul said the workman is worthy of his hire. I am trying to help those who never receive pay for thier talents not to feel less gifted than those who do get paid.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts!
Jen
You have me thinking, Jen! I get paid for most of my magazine writing, but I contribute to a couple 'freebie' magazines as well. I developed and maintain websites for two churches, and see it as my contribution to their outreach programs. I've mentored three people in learning how to use their computers and/or software. I don't know that any of these things are making use of God-given talents, but I like to think they're ways of generally 'paying it forward'. I wish I had more knowledge in the realm of writing to be able to offer advice and expertise, but I'm still on the receiving end there. One day I hope I can pay that forward, too. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel my 'talents' are not good enough to give a way, but God is working in me to keep doing, keep writing, keep shooting pictures, and I am always so blessed when someone reads, or just looks at my photos. I love that Kitty!
ReplyDeleteJeanette:
ReplyDeleteWhen I write, I feel I am writing for the Lord as a thank offering to Him. If I would happen to find some market that would like to pay me,I will still thank Him for giving me the ability