Sunday, January 19, 2020

New Year, New Time, New Writing You


by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

“There is a time for everything, and a season for 
every activity under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
                                                              

I think of this verse every January as we begin a new year. A friend read this passage at my father’s funeral in January 1994. Though it was a sad day, this encouraged me that this was a season in my life, and changes would come. 

When I flip the calendar to January, I am reminded that it’s a time for all things new, a season of change, and maybe resolutions or goal setting. I look forward to the great new things that will happen in the coming year. Setting goals and writing them down in my planner makes me giddy. Adding fun events make me smile. Marking deadlines for projects inspire me to stay on track 

All of us can set personal goals to make our writing more productive, to be kind and helpful to our fellow writers and to show more Jesus in all that we write. But do we strive to achieve those goals? Or like that new gym membership, they become forgotten before February’s calendar page is turned. 

It’s up to each of us to make that choice. Will you set a goal this year to apply yourself more to your writing? Will you resolve to be on time at your desk and ready to do what is needed that day? Will you look for ways to engage with your fellow writers in a thoughtful and encouraging way? 

I’d mulled these specific thoughts for myself regarding my writing this year and written down a few goals. Then I read a scripture passage one morning, and found a new verse that has had me talking about it as well as committing it to my writing goals for twenty-twenty. 

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ 
Then he said, ‘Write this down, 
for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelations 21:5 NIV

I realize this passage is referring to the New Jerusalem, but it struck me that He is making everything new for me as well in this coming year regarding my writing journey. There are many changes on the horizon for me in my writing path. Some good, some—just will be. Maybe there will be changes for you as well. But this passage gave me extra wind in my sails, so to speak. I was greatly encouraged and grabbed it for myself and did as it said—I wrote it down as words that are trustworthy and true since they are from God. 

Will this be your year for the gospel to shine brightly through your written words for others to see Him?  Will you encourage your fellow writers to do the same? I pray you write it down that the Lord is making all things new and you resolve to grab this season for your writing and give it your best. 

There really is a time for everything and He will make new things for us all the time.

TWEETABLE

You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 37 years, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen, and wrapped around the paw of a little dog named Hattie. Born and raised in Ohio, her family now resides in South Carolina. She is the President of Word Weavers Upstate SC, member of ACFW and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. She’s the Blog Editor for Word Weavers International. A Conference Assistant for Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. A monthly contributor for The Write Conversation. A contributor in the 2018 Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also a regular contributor to several other blogs. 

Connect with Tammy: Blog: http://www.tammykarasek.com  Email: tickledpinktammy@gmail.com

4 comments:

  1. What a wonderful prayer my friend; "God use me in whatever way will bring glory to You and others closer to Your kingdom. Guide me to be the reflection of Your light that someone needs to see this year." What a blessing to start our year off with this mindset. God's blessings my "smiley" friend.

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  2. This is perfect Tammy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Just what I needed to keep my resolve going.

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  3. Thanks Tammy for sharing today. At a critical change in my life, God reminded me He is Elohim-Creator God-and is still creating and making. Looking forward to see how the Lord creates new relationships and opportunities to grow and learn in our writing journey.

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  4. Hi, Tammy. I sent my first five pages from the writer’s Oct retreat (plus a few more) off to a contest. And I’m preparing a HOPE story for Deena Adams. Plus I’m resurrecting my cult testimony at my husband’s urging. So yes, I am making new goals. I’m pleased to see familiar faces showing up here. Thanks for sharing.

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