12 New Things for Writers to Try This Year!

Edie here. Today I'm super excited to announce Julie's latest book, Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime. I endorsed this book, I own this book, and I've already given away copies to friends. There's more info at the end of this post, but I highly recommend it!

12 New Things for Writers to Try This Year!

by Julie Lavender @JLavender Writes

What’s new, writing friends? 

We’re two weeks into a brand new year, and I always love to ponder Isaiah 43:19 with the changing of the calendar.

“Behold, I will do a new thing,” God proclaims in the first part of that verse. In the next part of the verse, God promises to make pathways in the wilderness and produce streams in barren land. 

If you’re like me, you sometimes feel like the writing journey vacillates between wild and impenetrable jungles and parched deserts on most days, with mountaintop experiences sprinkled in frequently for good measure. I’m thankful that I can count on God’s presence along the way, wherever that roller coaster ride to publication (or not) takes me. 

Weekend Worship - Fruit or Failure

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… Galatians 5:22-23

Today I had the opportunity to hear about another author's journey to publication. As she shared her story I noticed many similarities to my own. Hers, like mine wasn't a direct route, but a circuitous trip full of bumps and detours. Frequently a writer's path is littered with broken dreams and shattered expectations.

As I listened, I reflected on those instances in my life that I'd always labeled as failures and shortcomings. Now I saw them as opportunities to grow and learn. Those times of waiting had become patience, the frustration had become discipline, and the rejections became joy. All those difficult circumstances had been used by God to teach me things I lacked, as well as giving me compassion for others on similar journeys.

Somewhere along the way, God used the seeds of failure to grow fruit in my life.