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| Becky Lyles |
What is writing to you? And how does God fit in? Join Becky Lyles today as she shares some encouraging words to begin your writing week. ~ Annette
The Urge to Write
by Rebecca Carey Lyles
Some of us call the itch to put pen to paper (or fingers to
computer) a hobby. For others, like my friend who’s a corporate writer, writing
is a business. Many, if not most, writers fit into my category, which is a bit
different. We write to make money, but we don’t make enough green stuff to quit
our day jobs.
I’m privileged to serve as an editor for my day job. Helping
authors improve their manuscripts is challenging and fun. However, as I edit, a
nagging voice at the back of my mind says I should be writing the next book,
creating a blog post, sending out a newsletter, ordering bookmarks, setting up
a giveaway...
The same voice kicks in when I tackle other non-writing
projects. This summer, I helped our daughter plan her fall wedding, played
hostess to summer visitors, took on a new volunteer responsibility, and traveled.
I also fielded contractor questions and made color, fixture and dimension
decisions as workers remodeled a small area of our home.
While all that fun activity was going on, I formed a
marketing plan to launch my latest book, Winds
of Freedom, which I thought would debut in June. And then it was July.
Finally, all the pieces fell into place in August. But now that it’s early
autumn and additional duties have kicked in, I don’t have time to hit the marketing
hard or write. Yet, God is in control, and time is in his hands.
He has a plan for me and for the book—and for you. Psalm
138:8a says the Lord will work out his plans for our lives. Several psalms tell
of God’s delight in the details of our daily steps. He even rejoices over us
with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
Although I provide the feet for God’s plan, his Spirit is
the engine and the guide. All I have to do is pray for guidance, listen to his
response (which can come through his Word, circumstances, the advice of others,
or a Spirit nudge), and follow his leading. “Commit to the Lord whatever you
do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)
I’m not a theologian, but I have a feeling the “committing”
is what makes God’s plans our plans. As
a result, those plans will succeed. “Prayer is aligning ourselves with the purposes of God.” (E. Stanley Jones) “For it is God who works in
you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)
By God’s power and purpose, I will conquer—and so will you. “I
can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV) Lord
willing, I will carve out time to market the current “Winds” book. And I’ll begin
writing the third book in the series as soon as my daughter and her new hubby
leave for their honeymoon (well, shortly thereafter J). “Do not despise
these small beginnings. For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
(Zechariah 4:10a NLT)
~~~~~
Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her
Kate Neilson novels. She currently lives in Idaho, where she serves as an
editor and a mentor for aspiring authors and as a coach for women transitioning
from prison to life on “the outside.” Winds
of Freedom is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate
Neilson series, Winds of Wyoming. Learn more at www.beckylyles.com.
~~~~~
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| Winds of Freedom |
Winds of Freedom
Winter storms blast
across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate
Neilson’s soul. Despite her pain, Kate’s well-being takes a backseat to the
needs of loved ones: her best friend, who’s been ensnared by evil; her failing
great-aunt, whose dementia care keeps Kate guessing; and Laura and Mike Duncan,
whose ranch and livelihood are threatened by a land-grabbing neighbor.
