Monday, January 05, 2009

Whispers for the New Year

All over the Internet, people are listing their resolutions for the new year.

Well, you won't find a list like that on my blog today. You won't even find any promises from me to write or submit more.

What you will find is a short story of how to listen when God whispers in your ear.

I'm really really happy 2009 finally arrived. If I'd had a choice, I'd have cancelled out 2008 and jumped forward to now months ago. But I couldn't.

My story is the same story thousands of people all over the country are experiencing today. Lost jobs, lost wages, lost savings, lost hope.

My final low hit me in December when I recognized that not only my husband needed to find work again but I needed to get a job, too until his business kicked in.

I know, so what? People work and so have I for most of my life. People also work and write.

But I found myself grieving none-the-less(is this one word or what?) for the loss of my dream of writing whenever I wanted to. I also wondered why God would do this to me at this time in my life.

It's easy to listen to the negative thoughts--you'll be too tired to write . . . you aren't any good anyways so what does it matter ?. . . My, how my thoughts took off!

But I listened and told myself I was done with the dream. It had been nice while it lasted but life goes on and since we are now in survival mode, I need to do what I need to do.

Did I mention how I like to wallow in my sorrow?

Dec. 31. I pulled a letter out of the mailbox and noted it was from a new lady in my writers' group. She'd sent me another story to critique as she doesn't own a computer.

I didn't want to but something pulled at me so I sat down in my patio chair and began to read. Her words entranced me. This unpublished writer's story touched my soul with it's beauty. And all she had asked of me was a quick critique. I was thrilled to see her progress.

Then on Friday, I opened a devotional my friend Donna had given me to read. I almost dropped the book--the woman's story could have been my own! The writer's husband had lost his job and she was forced to deal with her conflicting emotions of returning to work--thinking no one would hire her, she would miss her children . . .I wanted to email her and tell her how I understood!

Two different stories written by two completely different writers. But each one delivered their own special message to me.

A whisper from God. A whisper about my dream.

No, you won't read any resolutions today that I will write x-amount of words or finish my WIP this year. What you will find is my promise to listen to God's whisperings each day. And if He whispers for me to write--you can be sure I will.

We have a new year ahead of us and who knows what it will bring . . . some of us might see our deepest dreams come true and others of us might have to pull ourselves out of the muck and mud a few times . . . but if we listen . . .anything is possible.

22 comments:

Kathleen said...

Oh my ... I've worn those shoes. I got a lump in my throat just considering how rugged are some stretches. I got another lump just knowing how sweet the sound of His whispers, and how amazing will be His answer to your deepest longings.

May you be blessed with each and every step forward!

Kathleen

Jessica Nelson said...

His whisper is more important, more stirring than anything else this world or our desires could offer!
Kudos to you for listening! He has a plan, despite the challenges, and He'll help you.
Thanks for sharing. You've reminded me to be careful to listen also.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

It's difficult to see God's rainbow at the end of the storm that seems to drown out all hope of ever ending. But He has promised to see you through and to provide for you. What a glorious day when soon the storm clouds blow away and you see His magnificient splendor in your rainbow!

Robin Lambright said...

I resolved a few years ago not to make resolutions. I found that ti was such a disappointing way to start th new year when my resolution(or my resolve) fell through.

I really identify with your feelings. When I felt God calling me to write (several years ago) I had this idea in my head of what being a write would look like in my head. The reality of how life worked out after that was much different. Now I have found that I have to seize the opportunities when they come. I cherish the time when I have my house to myself and can pull out my "WIP"and spend a few uninterrupted hours working on it. I cant remember the last time had time to do that by the way>

Anywho... I think there is defiantly a real balance whic can be very difficult to find. The balance between real life and what we want to do.

I find that pounding out a few post a week really helps in keeping me thinking about wrtiitng, as well as possible ading a few devotinal to my grwing file for future publication. So it all work out I thnk as it is supposed to.

Also I have to confess that thee ar a lot of times that I cold make eter use of my time and don't. If ya know what I mean. Lazyness is ne of my biggested hurtles.

Keeping ou ears tuned for those whispers is so critical especially for me in this writting process. We have to contuinually keep our ears tunes for when He whispers we must be willing and obediant to write down what He tells us to.

That's my 2 cents worth any way.

Blessings
Robin

Janna Leadbetter said...

Oh Terri, such a moving post. I love God's gentle nudging like that, and it sounds like you're on the right path... because it's the one He's laid before you. Have faith in Him, and you'll be just fine.

Hugs! I'm glad you're back.

Angie Ledbetter said...

May the whispers come often and loudly this year, Terri! I know the feelings...have had to return to the working world many times, often with 3 little ones at home. But ya know what? You can and will write! Being busy outside home, having to MAKE time to write, gathering fodder from other places all works to help you keep fingers on keyboard. You and DH are in my prayers. ((((((Terri))))))

Anonymous said...

Terri - this post is very powerful. Your hope through Christ's love and care for your dream is inspiring.

Jenni James said...

WOW! I what an awesome post! Hang in there. EVERYTHING happens for a reason--you never know who you'll meet or help--and how many times are greatest blessings are disguised by our greatest trials. May 2009 bring you lots of luck and love.

Melissa Amateis said...

What a GREAT post, Terri! And so good to see you back in the blogging world after your holiday vacation.

I definitely believe that God wants you to keep writing - and He will bless you for it!

Susan Storm Smith said...

My sister, been there with you, and done that, and wow .. doing it again LOL I am reminded of the Apostle Paul who wanted to do nothing more than preach the gospel to the far ends of the earth. Somewhere many times along the line, he had to stop and make tents.

Blessings, and hugs!

Jennifer Taylor said...

Terri,

I had to return to work four years ago and I too thought my dream of writing at home had died. But two months ago I received my first contract and I'm still writing - AND working. Go where God leads you. There is a purpose for everything. He might need to you touch the lives of some co-workers at your new job. He and your writing will still be.

You are right not to set goals in a time of transition. Unrealistic goals that set us up for failure can be more damaging that not setting any at all. Let God lead you.

Jenna said...

You're breaking my heart :(. Your post reminds me a story Debbie Macomber shares in her book Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life where she thought she was going to have to give up her dream of writing.

You should read her book...it's inspirational and encouraging and she talks a lot about writing (of course), knitting (a passion of hers), dreams and passions.

If you can't get your hands on a copy let me know and I'll send you mine.

LisaShaw said...

Terri as you listen to GOD's voice whispering to your heart, GREAT things are going to happen in ways you would not have expected. Remember, Ephesians 3:20-21


20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

May GOD's favor rest upon you, your husband and your family in 2009 and beyond in Jesus Name and may He be glorified continously in and through you.

Linda Hoye said...

Terri, this is a wonderful post. Listening to that still, small voice is sometimes hard to do in the midst of storms, but it's the only way to come out on top. God bless.

Technonana said...

Oh Terri, I know you feel as if you have been kicked in the stomach!! But I didn't get to be my age without knowing that God Keeps His promises!! He is FAITHFUL!!
One of the things I feel He is whispering to you is to keep encouraging others to listen for that 'still small voice'.
Your story reminds me of Elijah, when he was running from Jezabel.
1Kings 19:11-12

Vickie said...

Terri, immediately as I read this post, something came to mind that God whispered to my spirit some time ago.

I was studying James and he was saying in chapter 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I know those verses and I am sure you do too, but I remember as I read it on a bus to work, God translated it to my hear this way:

"Be excited about circumstances and situations because you find opportunity in them for growth and maturity."

Stick with God, I believe He has got great things in store for you.

I will add you to my prayer journal and pray for you regularly.

Glad to have you back.

Vickie

Stonefox said...

Bravo, Terri! You keep writing, just as He is prompting you too. May you find the encouragement you need daily, as you encourage so many others. Happy 2009!

Slendarella said...

I LOVE it when God whispers in my ear! Great post, Tiffany! The new year is going to bring you great things - God has things planned for you that will suprise you! Go with the flow, embrace the change, think and pray positively. Then let God work His wonders! I wish you MAGIC in this new year! Slendie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Whispers are the stuff of a sacred kingdom. You will find them tucked and secretly packed away in the midst of your striving. Tend to them, as you have promised, and God will unearth some of the most beautiful prose of your journey.

Struggling with you, not apart from you, friend.

I love your heart and your willingness to lay it bare before God and man.

peace~elaine

Pat's Place said...

Who knows what this next year will bring...anything is possible! Those are most exciting words and gave me a thrill to read them. I am looking FORWARD now! Thanks!

Jen said...

YES. Anything IS possible. Don't give up, keep trying, and keep listening with your heart, instead of your mind.

*hugs*

Anonymous said...

Another very lovely post. It's a blessing to find encouragement in those moments. I've had a tough couple years too, with many dreams having to be set aside due to circumstances outside my control. But whispers of encouragement are always so helpful.

Hmm... One question I've been pondering over the last few months is how do you know when it is God whispering to you? How do you know when God is encouraging you to keep with a dream, or to take a certain step forward, rather than your own hopes? It's tough to decipher at times. I've thought about writing a blog post on the topic. Since I usually steer clear from spiritual ponderings on my blog, I'm not sure if I will. But it is an interesting discussion.