Such a wonderful update to read. Congrats on the finishing and the beginning and the publishing and the ‘middling’ of it all. Still here. Still seeking to be faithful. It’s a beautiful story as is. 💝
So pleased to hear about your new Senior Editor work and your short story being published. Especially thankful for how you've expressed the untethered feeling, questioning of vocation, and God's intimate involvement: "I have a God who is personal enough to tenderly place me in the garden of his choosing, and who is big enough to create the garden." I've been having my own "vocation struggles," trying to discern if it's time to move on from some of my current work. So good that you can have open conversations with your family about this.
Thank you, Robin. I’m thankful we can wrestle through these things with our kids. It’s hard; so much pressure to figure it out, and so much temptation to fret. Such a good reminder this week for me to remember the God of the garden. I am taking some time to fast and pray this week. I will pray for you too! Jotting it into my journal now so I will remember.
I love how Genesis has already spoken to you. While reading your Writerly News, congratulations by the way, what immediately came to mind is “you ARE in the garden DOING the work God tasked you with, and look - already it is bearing fruit!!”
The Good Shepherd is not concerned with giving His sheep a map, but only to recognize He is their Shepherd (this came from my study yesterday of John 10). Continued prayers for you, dear friend.
What grace you have been given to be at a similar crossroads as your sons. Showing compassion and sympathy for their own unsure paths rather than pressure and fear.
Hey there. I had the same angst and feeling of being untethered. I almost gave up. I found out how ridiculously impossible it is these days to find an agent and a publisher. I had to pivot. The second novel was written in a relative vacuum compared to the first. No human being has read it from start to finish, although I am about to send it off to my developmental editor and a first reader. I had to decide, why am I writing? What is the purpose? What do I want to say? And most importantly, I am still an author no matter what.
Lee Ann, I followed along on your Substack through your wrestling. SO very difficult. I’ve felt like quitting at times too, but it’s such an encouragement to watch other authors persevere. I’m so glad you did!
And Bravo!
A new door for you. What a privilege. Walk bravely my friend! "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him" Psa 37:23
Thanks, Rach! And thank you for the verse. Most encouraging. 🤍
Such a wonderful update to read. Congrats on the finishing and the beginning and the publishing and the ‘middling’ of it all. Still here. Still seeking to be faithful. It’s a beautiful story as is. 💝
Thank you, Sarah. Lovely to see you started a Substack. I can’t wait to see your beautiful words here.
So pleased to hear about your new Senior Editor work and your short story being published. Especially thankful for how you've expressed the untethered feeling, questioning of vocation, and God's intimate involvement: "I have a God who is personal enough to tenderly place me in the garden of his choosing, and who is big enough to create the garden." I've been having my own "vocation struggles," trying to discern if it's time to move on from some of my current work. So good that you can have open conversations with your family about this.
Thank you, Robin. I’m thankful we can wrestle through these things with our kids. It’s hard; so much pressure to figure it out, and so much temptation to fret. Such a good reminder this week for me to remember the God of the garden. I am taking some time to fast and pray this week. I will pray for you too! Jotting it into my journal now so I will remember.
Congratulations on the MFA and Senior Editor position.
Thank you, Liz!
I love how Genesis has already spoken to you. While reading your Writerly News, congratulations by the way, what immediately came to mind is “you ARE in the garden DOING the work God tasked you with, and look - already it is bearing fruit!!”
The Good Shepherd is not concerned with giving His sheep a map, but only to recognize He is their Shepherd (this came from my study yesterday of John 10). Continued prayers for you, dear friend.
The image of The Good Shepherd handing his sheep a map made me chuckle. I suppose not—though admittedly, sometimes I think I’d like one. :)
Thank you, Kiernan! I value your words and friendship. 🤍
Who of us wouldn't love a map!! With big arrows and X marks the spot. I'm grateful for our newfound friendship as well. x
Though, I suppose we do have the X marked in our heart and soul.
What grace you have been given to be at a similar crossroads as your sons. Showing compassion and sympathy for their own unsure paths rather than pressure and fear.
I’m looking forward to reading your short story!
Yes, grace is a wonderful way of putting it—to be in a similar season with the boys. I love that. Thank you, Sabrena. Wonderful to hear from you!
Hey there. I had the same angst and feeling of being untethered. I almost gave up. I found out how ridiculously impossible it is these days to find an agent and a publisher. I had to pivot. The second novel was written in a relative vacuum compared to the first. No human being has read it from start to finish, although I am about to send it off to my developmental editor and a first reader. I had to decide, why am I writing? What is the purpose? What do I want to say? And most importantly, I am still an author no matter what.
Lee Ann, I followed along on your Substack through your wrestling. SO very difficult. I’ve felt like quitting at times too, but it’s such an encouragement to watch other authors persevere. I’m so glad you did!