Danielle, thanks for this live session. I have rewatched it a few times over the last few days because this topic is truly a goal for me. I connected with so much of what you said. One thing that really struck me was your last action item, to put a name with the work that I am aiming to do. It occured to me that I did this when I was writing my current manuscript - as I sat in the library writing each day, I had some particular friends and family members who were on my heart. The book is all about journeying with Jesus in the everyday divine. As I wrote, I pondered loved ones who do not have any relationship with Our Lord. I was always asking myself, "What will ___ think when he reads this?" or "Will this bless __ and help her to feel loved?" It truly made the writing process a gift. I don't know if those people will ever read my book, but I do know that they took the journey with me. You are so right that we can get caught up in the vainglory of what we do (great word!) instead of seeing it all as a beautiful, unexpected gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you! It's a joy to be walking this creative path with you.
Thank you, Lisa, for this thoughtful reply. What a beautiful testimony to the power of intention and love in the creative process. I love hearing about how you carried those specific people in your heart while writing. That’s exactly it—naming the work, giving it a face, a purpose, a soul. What a sacred way to write!
And you’re right—even if they never read the book, you were already loving them through every word. That kind of offering is never wasted. The Holy Spirit multiplies it in ways we’ll never fully see this side of heaven.
Also—yes to vainglory! It’s such a sneaky thing, isn't it? But rooting our work in love keeps us grounded in the real why. I'm so grateful for your presence here. 💛
Danielle, thanks for this live session. I have rewatched it a few times over the last few days because this topic is truly a goal for me. I connected with so much of what you said. One thing that really struck me was your last action item, to put a name with the work that I am aiming to do. It occured to me that I did this when I was writing my current manuscript - as I sat in the library writing each day, I had some particular friends and family members who were on my heart. The book is all about journeying with Jesus in the everyday divine. As I wrote, I pondered loved ones who do not have any relationship with Our Lord. I was always asking myself, "What will ___ think when he reads this?" or "Will this bless __ and help her to feel loved?" It truly made the writing process a gift. I don't know if those people will ever read my book, but I do know that they took the journey with me. You are so right that we can get caught up in the vainglory of what we do (great word!) instead of seeing it all as a beautiful, unexpected gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you! It's a joy to be walking this creative path with you.
Thank you, Lisa, for this thoughtful reply. What a beautiful testimony to the power of intention and love in the creative process. I love hearing about how you carried those specific people in your heart while writing. That’s exactly it—naming the work, giving it a face, a purpose, a soul. What a sacred way to write!
And you’re right—even if they never read the book, you were already loving them through every word. That kind of offering is never wasted. The Holy Spirit multiplies it in ways we’ll never fully see this side of heaven.
Also—yes to vainglory! It’s such a sneaky thing, isn't it? But rooting our work in love keeps us grounded in the real why. I'm so grateful for your presence here. 💛