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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Back then...

Some times in writing, my first attempt is to take the easy way out. I was trying to do this with the book I'm currently writing, Blue Like Playdoh. This book shares much of my life journey, and I tried to tell it in sweet, devotional thoughts. My editor didn't go for that. He wanted me to journey back. To revisit my questions and my fears. To be THERE, without the benefit of 20/20 vision.

It was crazy. I took myself back to the days when I had three little kids and no writing credentials. I didn't spend much time with God, and I had no idea of where my life would be headed. There were more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams.

"There" (about fifteen years back) has been hanging around with me, and in my Bible Study I came across a great quote by Beth Moore, "Sometimes we don't know why we're on a certain road with God until miles have made their way to the soles of our feet." Beth More, Stepping Up Workbook, p. 13.

Where is God taking you today? What road are you on? Eighteen years from now you might have a clue, but for now you too may have more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams. But keep walking God's way. Keep moving your feet forward. Take one more step closer to Him today. There's a purpose to the road, and a Savior who's walking with you.

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5 comments:

Mary DeMuth said...

In writing my memoir, I had to go back there. And I wrote it in present tense, which helped me keep it immediate. I look forward to your book!

David A. Todd said...

Life continually opens a window for writing, then closes in again. If it's not time to do my taxes (as it is now, along with my m-i-l's and take frequent phone calls from my b-i-l), it's Christmas, it's home repairs, it's ministry, it's the job reaching fever pitches, it's my wife wanting to take a trip for vacation. Windows seem to open and close faster than a politician can change positions on an issue.

I hold off submitting my weekly column idea and samples to newspapers for fear it will be accepted, and then I'll have to commit to 4 to 5 hours a week to produce it and handle the business end of things. That will likely eat up whatever time I'll have to write novels. Alas, retirement is only 8 years, 11 months, and 1 day away.

Tricia Goyer said...

Mary...Great idea!

David, thanks for sharing!

Blessings to you both.
Tricia

Anonymous said...

WHOA! I have truly learned that. With this book that I'm writing, I found it was definitely hard to "go back there" to those embarrassing and almost depressing moments in my life. One thing that helps me move forward with it and get back into my "old character" is that it will truly bless someone else who may be going through that very thing today! This makes me even more excited about the finished product and how it will be a blessing to many people. :)

Great Blog!

P.S., I'm so glad I found your blog!

Tricia Goyer said...

I'm glad you found it too! It is amazing what God prepares in advance for us to do...and how those experiences are used to encourage others.

Blessings!