Friday, August 24, 2012

So...yesterday I started writing a book



I was sitting right here at the Barnes and Noble. Using this laptop, a notebook, and drinking an iced tea from Chick-Fil-A.

I sorta feel like if I tell you, then it will make it more real. More believable.

Friends and family have been telling me for a while now that I should write a book. But isn't that a nice thing you just say to someone you love? When we see someone with a crafty talent, we say, "You should sell those." When we have a friend who is a great chef, we say, "You should open a restaurant." And so I've understood that when people have said to me, "You should write a book," they were, in essence, saying, "I see a gift in you that I don't have and that I appreciate."

Right? And so I knew those many voices were indeed encouraging, but not the One voice I needed to follow.

The way the Lord leads me is always, in retrospect, so natural and appropriate. Before He leads me, I tend to feel confused and foggy. I've wondered for a long time if He would ever prompt me to write a book. I've tried to guess at what it might even be about, if He did, seeing how I had no idea of my own. But suddenly, I have a vision. And it's a familiar feeling: when He finally does reveal step one of a new journey, it makes so much sense.

Amazingly, God never seems to ask me to do something that I'm not feeling at least a little equipped for already. I'm not overwhelmed. I'm not freaking out. It doesn't even seem like a big deal. His plans for me so often feel like the next natural step. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.

And so it has been with beginning a book.

Despite the new feelings surfacing, the new questions and insecurities I'm facing, writing this book feels like the next natural step. And that helps a lot when I sit down and laugh to myself that I have no idea what I'm doing, and realize this is harder than I thought. Because I know He's hemming me in, going before me and behind me. I'm safe in His will, no matter how rough the road may get.

So friends, help me remember all this if I forget along the way.

And tuck away the truths for where you are in your own journey. He goes before you, making a way for you to take the next natural step. Do you know what it is, and do you trust Him?

"For I KNOW the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
"Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a future and a hope."
Jer 29:11


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10 comments:

  1. Leslie.
    this is the best. dream big. and your right trust the Lord. He guides our path.

    i know this will be wonderful. i can't wait to read it.
    eeeeekkkk! i'm so excited for you!

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  2. I am so so happy and excited. for you, and for all those who will read your words. I am so proud of you and your responding to the Lord. I am praying for you and am with you in this new journey friend!! Please always let me know how I can help or encourage you... LOVE YOU!!

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  3. I will be first in line to buy it! God has already used your voice to reach many, I know he will only expand your platform and your influence as you follow his lead.

    And p.s.....I'm super excited for you!

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  4. Praise God for his faithfulness to us! He truly does hem us in and brings us to a place where there is no fear. Praying for you as this journey begins! Congratulations!!! You truly have been given a unique voice and ministry :)

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  5. best news of the entire day/week/month/year. i'm so glad it feels natural and easy(ish) and totally logical. that's such an incredible place to be! can't even wait... but i'll be patient :)

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  6. This is so exciting!! Trust that God WILL use your writing ability for His glory!

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  7. i'm so excited for you, that you're taking this step!
    and this is a big step but you've got this girl.
    thank you for this post... and your thoughts on how you feel before God
    leads you. it's sometimes so difficult to hear His will amidst all my fears
    and thoughts and wants but you are absolutely right.. when we are on the same page as Him there will be a peace about it, knowing that He is there. xoxo

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  8. Can't wait! And thank you for this. I greatly needed a reminder of Jeremiah 29:11 today. My husband and I are making some tough decisions and experiencing big changes and it is feeling like the next natural step. Love that we are "safe in His will." Thank you for sharing!

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  9. YEAH!

    God has been calling me to do something for a while too, but the insecurity seeped up and i have been believing the lie that i am inadequate. trying so hard to hear the Spirit's truth voice and get on with the "plans he has for me."

    i celebrate that you have conquered that and are being obedient.

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