Keep Moving Forward
In these troubling times, it’s easy to believe that we are close to the end and that Jesus may come any day. Today is the anniversary of a terrible day in our history. For the generations who were alive during those horrific events, we might have thought Jesus would be coming soon. But, that was 19 years ago, and God has shown us mercy to continue in this life to reach out to others through our ministry as writers.
It’s been over 20 years since I began my writing journey and at the beginning of the last month, I celebrated my one-year anniversary as a published author. Twenty years and only two books published can be discouraging. Add to it, the multiple unfinished projects I have in binders shelved throughout my office and the other “missed” opportunities because of life, health, and wrong timing. Oftentimes, I become overwhelmed and think I’m a failure.
When I discussed these feelings with my writing mentor, he encouraged me with the Parable of the Talents. There were three servants, two who worked their talents and produced a gain, and one who buried his talent. He asked me if there was a servant who tried and failed. Of course, I replied that there wasn’t. The servants, who used what they had, did not fail and neither will I.
But there’s more to the parable. The master tells both of the servants who worked, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21,23). Jesus uses the word faithful twice. In faithfully using my gift for God’s glory, I will produce a gain for His kingdom and so will you.
So, if I only write fifty words a day compared to the hundreds or thousands of words of other writers, it is fifty more than I had yesterday. Even a small step produces a gain. I love the quote from Walt Disney, “Keep Moving Forward,” which is also illustrated in one of my favorite movies, Meet the Robinsons. In the movie, the character continues to fail, but he keeps trying. He knows he will succeed in the end and we will too.
So, take comfort—God knows your circumstances. Every day just keep moving forward and continue to be faithful to the call God has put in your hearts. And if you have buried your talents, it’s not too late to dig them out of the ground. The Master hasn’t returned yet, but He’s coming soon. Let Him find us at our writing desks working diligently.
“Even a small step produces a gain.” #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @jdrempelwriter
“Every day keep moving forward and continue to be faithful to the call God has put on your hearts.” #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @jdrempelwriter
“If you have buried your talents, it’s not too late to dig them out of the ground.” #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @jdrempelwriter
Melanie on the Move
The NorCal Girls
Book 1
Melanie Cooper’s life seems perfect. She’s the star on her swim team, she has great friends, and she’s turning thirteen in just a few weeks. But when her family is forced to move to Northern California, her world starts to unravel.
Can Melanie learn to trust in a God that allows bad things to happen? Discover with Melanie how He can bring something good even from the difficulties in our lives.
Key verse—Romans 8:28. This book includes thought-provoking discussion questions.
Melanie Cooper’s life seems perfect. She’s the star on her swim team, she has great friends, and she’s turning thirteen in just a few weeks. But when her family is forced to move to Northern California, her world starts to unravel.
Can Melanie learn to trust in a God that allows bad things to happen? Discover with Melanie how He can bring something good even from the difficulties in our lives.
Key verse—Romans 8:28. This book includes thought-provoking discussion questions.
J.D. Rempel is a California native, whose passion is writing speculative and contemporary fiction for all ages. Her books include a children’s picture book, Marigold and the Snoring King, and her middle-grade fiction novel, Melanie on the Move. As a confessed Anglophile, she’s usually found watching British TV, especially mysteries. She loves to read, listen to music with her husband, and play peekaboo with her turtle, Applesauce.
Connect and learn more by visiting these online sites:
Website: https://www.jdrempel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdrempel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.d.rempel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdrempelwriter
