The One who makes the Difference!

 by Anusha Atukorala

I was enjoying an evening walk. Birds twittered as they flew home to their nests. A soft breeze stirred, chasing my cares away, like a toddler scattering a flock of pigeons as he runs towards them in glee. Trees danced to the tune of the breeze, waving their green branches with abandon. I looked up. There in the twilight skies wafted a large cloud, dressed in pretty Pink and announcing itself to the world. It pointed to its Creator and transformed my evening into a magical one. A few soft white clouds raced along to join their colour-splashed friend, but they weren’t a patch on that Perfect Pink Preamble!

 

I soon realised that this striking cloud made a difference. Wherever I went, the evening began to sparkle–all because of that Pretty Pink Parade. The horizon was laced with it. Gum trees grew tall in its presence. Our world was ablaze with colour because of its smiles. It was a reminder then, that just like this PPP, there is a Divine PPP who can turn an ordinary day into a special one and transform an unyielding moment into a joyful one. And of course, as a Christian writer, all that I create does need a PPP so that my writing bears fruit.

 

I’m not talking of a Perfect Pink Panorama this time.

What I point to instead is A Powerful Precious Presence.

 

God! Our Almighty God … the Author of our stories.

Jesus, the Creator of everything, past, present and future.

The Holy Spirit who writes our stories with us.

 

Yes, it’s He who does it all. He who directs. He who knows what He plans to do with our writing. It is He who reaches the world through our words. All that we write turns salty only when the Salt-Shaker is present. Words we write can reach hearts, only when the Heart-Warmer is at work. Words in books are brought to life in readers through the Author of Life!

 

There are seasons and seasons in a writer’s life, aren’t there? Some seasons are rich and fulfilling. Others are humdrum. Some are downright discouraging. I remember how hard it was to keep going when I was hunting for a publisher for my second book. I had rejections galore, and hope slipped away, pearls on a broken necklace falling, leaving an empty string in my hand. God showed me through that experience that perseverance is part of a writer’s package. Nothing always comes easy. It also meant that when the miracle happened and I did find a publisher, I knew it was not through my own cleverness or expertise or good fortune that I found one but that our Heavenly PPP - that Precious Powerful Presence was at work again.

I believe God allows dry times, hard times, unfruitful times to meander into our writing lives because it’s one way of letting us know who our Boss is. How’s your writing life these days? If it is productive, I’d like to shake your hand. Good job, friend! Well done! If it could be better, I still say Well done! I know you will make it. Keep it up, dear Writer! But if it is downright discouraging, I’d love to remind you of that PPP. That Perfect Pink Panorama. Or rather that Precious Powerful Presence! Don’t forget that He goes before You. He will do all He promised. It is all His work. Dry times are seasons when He is preparing the ground (and us) for more fruitfulness.

 

A couple of years ago, I was surprised when I heard from an unknown man whom I will call Paul. Paul wrote that he noticed I wasn’t blogging any more. He encouraged me to keep stirring up the gift that God had given me, letting me know my writing had impacted his life. I was so encouraged. Paul didn’t know it – but I had been blogging – using a new website, so I sent him the link. Recently, Paul wrote again, asking to buy all three of my books. Think Happy Surprise on this little writers’ face. Think eyebrows raised. Think happy dance! It was astonishing that an unknown man wanted to buy my books. While I’d hoped that both men and woman would enjoy my writing, I wasn’t sure if men would. But here was proof that at least one man did! Hooray!

 

And then … I realise afresh that unless God speaks, my words are just squiggles on paper. Unless God chooses to use them, nothing I write would make any impact. It is He alone who can use a weak little vessel in order to communicate His truth to His world. It is not what I write that is as important as the leading of the Holy Spirit when I do. It is not my writing that reaches hearts but it is God who speaks through my words to touch and bless and build.

 

You and I are a paintbrush in the Hands of the Master Painter. An instrument in His Symphony Orchestra. Isn’t it a great gift that He calls us to be co-creators with Him? When we allow Him to lead us and use us, our writing will have eternal consequences. So let’s keep writing. It is His purpose that matters. His Voice that reaches hearts, that Precious, Powerful, Peace-filled, Perfect, Personable, Patient, Picturesque Presence who Permeates His world. 

He alone makes all the difference.

 

Let’s look to Him.

Let’s write with Him.

Let’s worship Him.

Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician, a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.

 

Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her 2^nd book Dancing in the Rain brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her 3rd book, Sharing the Journey is a sequel to Enjoying the Journey.

 

Do stop by at her two websites to say G’day and to read her blogs.

Dancing in the Rain 

Light in theDarkness

 

Tuesday Spotlight - Anusha Atukorala

Each Monday and Thursday, Christian Writers Downunder's faithful and talented blog team contribute blogposts to inspire and inform aspiring and established writers. In 2017 we will be adding Tuesday Spotlights - posts that spotlight both writers and organisations that contribute to the writing scene Downunder. Our first on December 27 was on Nola Passmore, writer, editor, academic and the previous coordinator of Christian Writers Downunder. The next three will highlight the CWD Administration team: Anusha Atukorala, Paula Vince and Jeanette O’Hagan.

Anusha with Nola and Jeanette, Omega Writers Conference 2017

Today’s spotlight is on Anusha Atukorala.


Anusha Atukorala is a humble, gracious and faithful encourager and prayer warrior; a writer and speaker who is passionate about her faith, family, and writing. Her first book Enjoying the Journey is a collection of little God thoughts from everyday life. She has also had devotions and short stories published, including ‘A Dream Realised’ in Glimpses of Light. Anusha has been on the CWD Admin team for four years and her encouragement, wisdom, and prayer ministry is invaluable. Twice a week, Anusha faithfully posts the links to our CWD blog so you can read the inspirational and helpful posts.

Jeanette: Anusha, many people are inspired by your devotional book Enjoying the Journey and through your inspirational blog ‘Dancing in the Rain.’ What or who inspired you to write and to keep on writing?


Anusha:  Thank you Jenny for your generous words. It’s interesting that all my education was in my mother tongue, Sinhalese. But once I tasted Enid Blyton’s books as a little girl, my life changed forever! I devoured them as fast as I could and fell deeply in love with the English language. I scribbled stories and poems as a child, composed songs as a teenager and wrote reams letters over the years, connecting my passion for writing with my passion for people.

After I left school, I’ve been a Lab Technician, Analyst Programmer, full time mum, Charity Director and a full time volunteer. 10 years ago, when I failed to get a job, God nudged my heart. Yes, it was time to pursue my childhood dream and He called me to become a Christian writer. Yay! I’d been a believer for many decades at the time, so of course, God Himself was my inspiration.

Growing up, my Dad was a Director of a Newspaper group in Sri Lanka. Mum was a journalist. My family grew up with books, lots of them, so my parents are also a big part of that motivation. I went on to marry a lover of books and our son has followed suit. I’m very pleased that my son blogs regularly like his Mum!


Jeanette: Your mother was a prominent and award-winning journalist in Sri-Lanka. What influence has she her example had on your life and your writing journey? How important is family to you?


Anusha: Two things Mum pursued with excellence were writing and counselling. I’ve naturally taken to both like a Galah bird learning to fly, although I’m nowhere as professional as she was in either field. She was definitely my role model and championed my writing till the end of her days. 

My immediate family comprises two unique, amazing, priceless men! Shan and I celebrate 31 years of wedded bliss tomorrow. I’m deeply grateful to him for the many sacrifices he has made over the last 10 years so I could write. Without his support, or his hard work, I could not have pursued my dreams, so my Beloved (next to God) is the wind beneath my wings. Our son Asela (26) is on the Autism spectrum and has needed to has overcome numerous challenges to get to where he is today. I’m very proud of them both. So yes, family is very important to me, not least my 2 sisters and 4 brothers who too have been a significant part of my life.

Shan, Anusha and Asela, 2016

Having said that, Jesus made it clear, didn’t He,  that anyone who does the will of God is His brother, sister and mother? As I’ve travelled through life, I’ve met many remarkable people. Friends (I believe) are the family we choose for ourselves! That includes all you awesome writer friends. Thank you so much for being an integral part of my journey. I value you all.

Jeanette: And I've valued your friendship and that of other writers :)

Life isn’t always without struggle, yet you have a consistently positive attitude no matter what happens. Each week you find the silver lining, the patch of blue sky, the signs of God’s love and faithfulness around you. Where do you draw your strength from and how does this influence your writing?

Anusha: As a brand new Christian at 16, Jenny, there were times I wondered if my walk with God was authentic. My faith hadn’t been tested then. Now, 43 years and an abundance of life experiences later, I know that I know that I know. God has been good to me. I say that with tears in my eyes and a deep conviction within. CS Lewis said that “God whispers to us in our pleasures and shouts to us in our pain”. It has been my experience too. It’s those trying, tough seasons that have led me discover if what I believed was true. God has come through for me over and over again—not always changing my circumstances but always walking with me through my darkest hours, comforting me and giving me strength to endure. He has been both my Hiding Place and my Inspiration.

When I created my website 5 years ago, I was asked to give it a name and the Holy Spirit whispered ‘Dancing in the Rain’. I realise now as I look back that it was the perfect title. Not only have I been able to draw strength from Jesus for my hard times but He’s also enabled me to use those experiences to encourage and bless others. What an awesome God He is!

Jeanette: He certainly is! What obstacles in your writing and how have you responded to them? What are your goals and dreams?

Anusha: The biggest obstacle in the last few years, Jenny, has been my health. I’ve suffered from fibromyalgia over the past 12 years and the debilitating fatigue and pain hamper my creativity. Obstacle number 2 is a lack of finances to obtain professional help. I’d hoped that I’d be able to work part time job to finance my writing, but my body doesn’t allow it at present!

At Disneyland I learnt that the best way to enjoy each ride was by clinging onto the rails and going with the flow. The analogy has helped me in real life too—I’ve learnt to cling onto God with all I’ve got and then go with the flow of wherever life takes me. Exhilarating! As for goals and dreams… I’ve just been listening to an audio book called ‘Living Forward’ by Michael Hyatt/Daniel Harkavy. Their LIFE PLAN consists of answering 3 questions.

1.           How do I want to be remembered?
2.           What’s most important?
3.           How do I get from here to there?

I’ve spent the past 2 weeks answering those questions and found they were excellent ones to propel me forward. As for my goals in 2017, I’d love to get two more of my books on their way to publication. I’m writing a book to encourage those struggling with chronic illness. I’m also working towards put together a few more books using my blogs of the last 5 years.

Jeanette: I look forward to seeing both those book published :) If you were to give advice to someone just starting out as a writer, what would it be?

Anusha: If God’s called you to be a writer, go for it. Read widely. Write as often as you can. Study the craft. Link with other writers. Don’t get swamped by the world’s demands. Choose wisely how you spend your time. Say ‘Yes’ when God demands a ‘Yes’, but learn to say ‘No’ when you need to. Spend sufficient time with God every day and walk close to Him. Know His heart and write out of that relationship in obedience and trust. Being is always more important than doing. Yes, integrity matters. Rejections will come—accept  them as part of the package. Persevere! Persevere! Persevere! A Christian writer’s life is rich (though not necessarily in monetary terms) and rewarding—and with His help, you can reach for the stars.

And don’t forget … He who calls you is always faithful.


Jeanette: Thank you Anusha for your wise and inspiring words, for your contribution to CWD, your encouragement over the years, and for taking time to talk to us. Wishing you all the best in what God has for you, your family and your writing.

Anusha: Thank YOU Jenny. I really enjoyed my chat with you. God bless you richly for all you do for us Christian writers at CWD. It is greatly appreciated.

Anusha is passionate about many things – Jesus, love, life, family, friendship, music and the beauty of God’s creation. Her first book Enjoying the Journey is a collection of 75 little stories centred on God’s reality in her life. Anusha’s had stories published in 12 Anthologies and she lives to share God’s amazing love with the world. 

She is deeply blessed to have two places she calls home; the little paradise island of Sri Lanka where she grew up and the beautiful city of Adelaide, Australia where she resides; well perhaps three homes—since our Father God’s heart is her first and best resting place.

Website: Dancing in the Rain: http://anusha-atukorala.webnode.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Enjoying-the- Journey-by- Anusha-

Atukorala/147587801967379

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anusha-Atukorala/e/B00R0UNJC4

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6996785.Anusha_Atukorala

Keep on Writing

I was getting ready to leave for the Omega Writer’s Conference in October when I saw it - a call for submmissions for a Children’s Picture Book Writing Competition. They were looking for “creative, winsome charming picture books that help parents instill an open-hearted, transformational, lifelong Christian faith in their children”. I did like the sound of that. Better still, the first prize was $5000.00. Whew! Not an amount to be sneezed at. There were no entrance fees either. I knew I must give it a go when I returned from conference.

Would it herald my big writing moment?

A week later, I came back refreshed and revitalised after a fabulous time in Sydney, having caught up up with those of like minds, learning an abundance of writerly wisdom, being inspired by people and places and best of all, filled with God’s joy. Unfortunately, as it often occurs, a week of intense fibro pain and weariness followed my energetic week away, so it was only a few days before that all important deadline that I had sufficient energy to sit down to create my story.

My dear friend Melissa popped in on the Friday before and spotted our family's pet giraffe (yes, he’s alive …or so we like to think). She suggested I write a story about Raffy - what a brilliant idea! The day before the story had to be submitted, I sat at my computer, concentrating hard. It took hours to craft and refine my award winning picture book. The next day was a busy one. My body felt weak and weary but I persevered, working also on my author bio and the story’s synopsis. Finally, close to midnight and exhausted, I was ready to send in my three documents. Just before I pressed the submit button, the competition’s terms and conditions popped up.

It was then my dream was shattered - a crystal vase smashed into a million shards.

The very first clause had my mouth open, while my jaw dropped a few kilometres downwards. Apparently, the competition was open only to US residents. I could have cried. I’d read the competition details many times over—but for some reason this vital fact had not been publicised. I could hardly believe it. How foolish I'd been!

I wonder what your writing year has been like. Was it filled with instant success, millions of books sold, a plethora of fan mail, TV appearances, a bulging bank balance and a celebrity lifestyle? If you are like many of us Christian writers, you are presently plodding away on your current story, a few drops of hope glistening in your heart, but perhaps also a wee bit discouraged about those writing dreams yet to be fulfilled.

In a few weeks, the curtain will fall on 2016 and we will be left with our memories of the past year. Whatever it brought you in your writing sphere and whatever the future holds for you, let me ask you three questions:

1. Has God called you to write for Him?
2. Have you strived to walk with Him?
3. Have you sought to be obedient to His call?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, let me shake your hand. Let me celebrate with you. Success for us comes not from the world’s yardstick of accomplishment. It’s simply getting up each morning and doing all that God calls us to do. Persevering. Learning from failure. Not giving up. Perhaps like me you've made a few blunders? No matter - God can redeem them all. He's good at that! So permit any discouragement to fly out of your window like a captive pigeon set free. Congratulate yourself for all the writing you’ve done these past 12 months. Celebrate your conquests with a smile. And let your heart be quick to hear the sound of God’s ‘Well done’.

And now ... put on your writer’s shimmering cloak of joy.
And Keep On Writing.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14


Anusha Atukorala is a writer and speaker with music in her heart and a message to proclaim. The abundant love of a faithful God is her theme song. God’s call to writing in 2007 led Anusha on a Grand Adventure which continues to surprise and thrill her. Anusha loves to build the body of Christ and to encourage others through the written and spoken word. Her first book ‘Enjoying the Journey’ is comprised of 75 little God stories. She has twelve short stories published in Anthologies and plenty more books in the pipeline. Do drop in to say G’day at her website Dancing in the Rain. She’d love to meet you.