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Bible Study, Christian growth non-fiction, Christian non-fiction, Essay about Writing, LInda Wood Rondeau, Musings from a Writer’s Brain, Who Put the Vinegar in the Salt?
This is the question I ask after each THE END I write on a manuscript. So, I’ve completed my book, edited it a gazillion times, sent it off to my publisher, more edits, galleys, and a note , “Your book is now live.”
Yes, there are a ton of marketing needs. But my creative spirit needs to be refueled with the next big project. So what should I write about now? I find myself facing the great unknown. Since all my contractual requirements are now met, how do I decide on what I should write next?
Do I work on unfinished concepts?
Or does God have something else for me to do?
Should I keep all my eggs in one basket or branch out?
Is now the time to try self-publishing?
Do I want to be a hybrid author?
Certainly, I’m not bored. I am also a freelance editor in addition to editing for my publisher. I’m also a Project Manager and my days are filled.
How do I predict what the market will need in a year and half from now?
Busyness is no excuse to starve the creative spirit.
Our pastor’s recent sermon was aimed at graduates: high school, college, postgraduate, and military. However, his message spoke to me, a woman in my seventies, as I thought on my next writing goal.
He reminded the grads to surrender their future to God. I believe this is true for writers as well.
Be Constantly in Prayer
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7 KJV)
The Lord has promised to hear and answer. Most Christians agree with this. However, when the answer seems slow to come, we will fall back to seeking our own answers which may be contrary to what God has in mind. Seek him diligently, knock on heaven’s door for as long as it takes. Pastor Kevin also said to not be afraid to ask others to pray with you. As writers, our readers and colleagues may have ideas we had not even considered. Then go back and pray some more.
Trust God Completely
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5 – 6 KJV).
Abandoning our preconceived ideas of our next steps may be very difficult. We are anxious to get started. We hear our inner creative voice saying, “Now! Move on your idea or it will go away.” As I hear the words above, I’m reminded God’s idea may be different than mine.
Live Faithfully
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV).
Said Pastor Kevin, “He wants you to say ‘yes’ before he will give you your ‘what.’”
God wants us to love him with all our heart, mind, and soul. Living faithfully and staying near to God allows us to align our will with his. He has a plan and wants to guide us in the right direction.
When we pray, trust, and walk with God, he not only leads us in our walk with him, but will center our desires with his. For the writer, this means, he will make clear our next big step in our careers.
WHO PUT THE VINEGAR IN THE SALT
By Linda Wood Rondeau
The world offers much beneficial self-help advice. Shouldn’t the Christian seek to be the best possible version of themselves? Aren’t we supposed to be good people?
Why not look to the world to solve life’s problems?
Because God has called us to be salt.
While there is much good to be found, like vinegar, the world’s best advice falls short of God’s recipe to live a victorious Christian life.
In a down-home, friendly manner, the author provides analogies, inspirational stories, anecdotes, a wealth of Scripture, and optional study guides for both individuals and groups, inviting the believer to discover God’s desires for his salt.
By the author of I Prayed for Patience, God Gave Me Children.
ABOUT LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau’s varied church experience and professional career affords a unique perspective into the Christian life. When not writing or speaking, she enjoys the occasional round of golf, visiting museums, and taking walks with her best friend in life, her husband of over forty years. The couple resides in Hagerstown, Maryland where both are active in their local church. Readers may learn more about the author, read her blog, or sign up for her newsletter by visiting www.lindarondeau.com.