Writing and the power of stories
I love to wake up and see the sunrise over Mt. Jefferson, spend some time in prayer, and in the Word, and then enjoy some time to write.
Do you have a regular writing practice?
We grow as writers by writing regularly. Last summer I did a series called Writing as Breathing: How Writing Changes Me. You can find those articles and Threads by going to my Substack and looking for the Tab at the top with that name, Writing as Breathing.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be very therapeutic.
As Madeleine L’Engle said:
Just write a little bit every day. Even if it’s only for half an hour—write, write, write.”
She also said of her characters:
My characters pull me, push me, take me further than I want to go, fling open doors to rooms I don't want to enter, throw me out into interstellar space, and all this is long before my mind is ready for it.
A Circle of Quiet
We write for all kinds of reasons. Some people write to process their emotions. Some people write to try to impress or dazzle others with their wit and brilliance. Sometimes bank robbers scrawl a note which they hand to a teller asking her to quietly go get some cold hard cash.
Why do you write?
Do you write every day or only once in a while?
In my personal devotional life, I love to do Immanuel Journaling, a way for me to connect more deeply with God and nurture a secure attachment with Him.
Here’s a link where I explain this journaling practice and why I have found this helpful:
https://open.substack.com/pub/susankuenzi/p/immanuel-journaling?r=22wfou&utm_medium=ios
Here’s another letter writing exercise I really enjoy. I often write this letter each year at New Year’s and review ones from prior years. But you could do this any time:
Blake Roberts, LMFT, has shared a wonderful journaling exercise for reflection in an earlier post.
I do know this: I have been blessed because of the faithful writers who have gone before me and recorded thleir thoughts and insights in books I am blessed by.
“Many voices ask for our attention. There is a voice that says, 'Prove that you are a good person.' Another voice says, 'You’d better be ashamed of yourself.' There also is a voice that says, 'Nobody really cares about you,' and one that says, 'Be sure to become successful, popular, and powerful.' But underneath all these often very noisy voices is a still, small voice that says, 'You are my Beloved, my favor rests on you.' That’s the voice we need most of all to hear. To hear that voice, however, requires special effort; it requires solitude, silence, and a strong determination to listen. That’s what prayer is. It is listening to the voice that calls us 'my Beloved'.”
— Henri Nouwen
Here’s a recent article I wrote that you might find encouraging:
The American Dream is to live in our strength; God's dream is that we live in our weakness. The one way of living is completely antithetical to the other. But if we really desire to see God move in mighty ways, to fully embrace the life that Jesus has for us, then we must be brought to the end of our strength. As Dallas Willard has said, "The Christian life is what you do when you realize that you can do nothing."
Mike Erre
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In a discussion with another writer here, he shared that his daughter’s generation is the first to avoid kicking the can down the road as it relates to the environment. He mentioned they were brave.
I understand and agree about them being brave. However, as a retired counselor, I do feel concerned for the impact on mental health of young people who focus so much on climate change and other issues.
I personally think it is important to consider things like this, but perhaps the way it is being taught and discussed could be healthier in some cases. I think the high incidence of anxiety and depression in young people probably has many causes, including overuse of technology and screen addictions, but I think it would be valuable to frame conversations in ways that don’t add to the heavy weight many of them may feel already. I remember when a friend of mine told me she wouldn’t like to have kids of her own because she felt like the future wasn’t something she wanted to inflict on a kids. I remember this was around the era of Y2K.
The way we view the future and our own sense of well being has an impact on our emotional well being. I am sure not saying I have all of the answers. But I do think about these things, and also as someone with multiple sclerosis (a progressive neurological condition) I have asked myself how can I best view the future in ways that promote a sense of well being even in the face of uncertainty.
“Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God's story never ends with 'ashes.'” ― Elisabeth Elliot
SUNRISE, SUNSET
Recently, we’ve had some clear days in Oregon. This time of year, we often have rain or overcast days, so clear days where we can see the Cascade Mountain Range from our place are a gift!
I think about the verses in the Bible about how from the rising of the sun, to the setting of the same, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
Yesterday, the sunrise over Mt. Jefferson was visible from our driveway, and the sky looked so glorious. Here are a couple of pictures I took from our place:
I am so thankful that as believers in Jesus Christ, we have a hope that truly does transcend the struggles of life in a fallen world. None of us are immune to hardship in this life. As writers, we can see God redeem the painful things we go through by equipping us to respond more effectively to others who go through tough things, too.
I am grateful that one day in His Presence we will not experience pain or tears any more. We will be lost in wonder instead. Filled with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
Later the same day, the sunset had such incredible pink hues. Sometimes on a difficult day, just pausing to see the sunrise or watch a beautiful sunset reminds me that beauty still exists. And the challenges will not always be with us. God knew what He was doing when He created day and night. Having time to rest and taking things one day at a time really helps. Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough worries of its own.
Here are a few pictures from last evening:
All photos in this article by Sue Kuenzi, © 2025
Abba Father,
I want to thank You for creating such incredible beauty for us to enjoy. I know that many people are enduring hardships, and we ask You to walk with them through those tough times.
But I want to thank You for the sacrament of the present moment. In the splendor of the sunrise, I see Your artistry and majesty.
At the closing of a day, I am reminded that each day is a gift from You. Thank You for inviting us to come unto You and to release our burdens to You.
You created the stars and the moon, and Your handiwork reminds us of Your grandeur.
Help us not to squander the time we have been given. Help me to be faithful to use the talents you’ve given me for Your glory.
Help me to set aside the distractions of this noisy world and to abide in You, to dwell in Your Word and receive grace for each day from You.
In Jesus’ Holy Name,
Amen
Thank you, Sue, for putting into words such powerful reminders of how deep and wide God’s love is for us.
Thank you also for sharing your photos of His beautiful creation with us. Now I realize, more fully, what you meant when you said that the sunrise was glorious that morning. 🥰
Lovely! I noticed you mentioned Mike Erre? I went to Rock Harbor in Costa Mesa many years ago. Also I will always love Madeleine L’Engle. I need to read more Henri Nouwen! Thanks for sharing!