I enjoy my eggs scrambled, but I sure don’t like dealing with a scrambled mess of unfinished writing projects.

As a creative writer, I often have multiple ideas stirring in my mind. If I’m not careful, I can start numerous projects and finish none.

We serve a God of order and creativity. And in His power, we can nurture order in our creativity.

There are four steps that keep me from scrambling around so I can experience peace and productivity as I diligently work to meet deadlines.

Pray

I spend time with the Lord before I start working. I ask Him to show me my next step and help me finish the task He leads me to start, even when I feel intimidated, weary, afraid, or inadequate.

List

I create a list of my projects and assign due dates, posting that commitment sheet where I can see it daily.

Write

As I’m praying for God’s guidance, He brings the right idea to mind at the perfect time, not one second before I’m truly ready to communicate the message He intends.

If a new idea pops into my mind while I’m working on a project, I jot down the details and file them. This keeps me from becoming distracted or tempted to start another project when the one I’m working on gets challenging.

Bend

I make a habit of periodically stopping to pray and obey.

If I’m struggling with a project, I step back and pray over it. Sometimes, I’ll get away from my office or move to the next project on my list until the Lord directs me differently.

A stall is often a nudging from God, reminding me to slow down or switch gears until He’s equipped me to finish well.

The Lord understands I have a tendency to try to rush ahead of Him. That’s why prayer is top priority in my writing process. But being still enough to listen and wise enough to obey are even more important. I have to be willing to bend to His will instead of insisting He approves my plan.

As I prepare for the 2012 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, God is helping me unscramble my thoughts so I can be ready to let Him lead my steps.

I ask Him to remind me daily that productivity and success in His eyes doesn’t always meet my expectations, or the standards other people might try to place on me. But, when pleasing Him is my greatest desire, I can experience peace and productivity as I worship Him with every word I write.

Lord, thank You for being a God of order. Help us reign in our creative juices and commit to finishing that project You have placed on our hearts. Help us seek You and obey Your leading as You unscramble our mess of ideas and priorities, aligning our wills to Yours. Help us work diligently and courageously, writing with excellence and clarity, for Your glory and according to Your timeline, not ours. In Jesus’ name, Amen

What helps you experience productivity and peace in the midst of creativity?

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Xochi (so-she) Dixon is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher who loves Jesus and digging into God's Word. Living in Northern California with her hubby, Alan, their teenage son, Xavier, and their doggy-daughter, Jazzy, Xochi has a heart for prayer and enjoys encouraging women, teens and fellow authors. She writes Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Teen Fiction, poetry and devotions. You can visit Xochi’s author website at www.xedixon.com and fellowship with her on Facebook and Twitter.