Last week I attended the ACFW annual conference (held in Dallas this year). I went with one goal–and one goal only. To find my passion again.
As many of you know, this last year has been a rough one. Between my husband’s health issues, an overseas move, and transitioning from military to civilian life, I’ve hardly had time to catch my breath, much less write anything. Every now and then I’d get a wild hair and sit down to write 5,000 words, but then it would be another month before I’d be able to sit down again.
I was lost.
I felt very alone.
And empty.
As it turns out, if you’re not doing all that God has called you to do, then satisfaction remains just beyond your grasp. I found that I was focusing on a lot of things that weren’t falling under God’s calling for me. Of course, God, my husband, and my children come first. But I was letting my writing/editing fall below stuff like socializing, homeschool community–in other words, I was spreading my focus to thin.
The five days I spent in Dallas were an eye-opener. God spoke to me several times throughout the trip. I got to sit in on several workshops, listen to keynote speaker, Michael Hyatt, and spend time with fellow speculative fiction writers (among many others). I have not felt so inspired in a long time! And it was not the kind of inspiration that will wane in a few short weeks. It is the kind that came with practical steps and advice.
Writing means sacrifice.
Writing means saying no a lot.
Writing means I am accountable only to myself and God. No one else is going to make me do it.
Writing means letting go of the little things.
I am ready to take on the challenge. I am prepared to allow God’s guidance in my life.
I am a writer.
And an editor. Yep, that’s right. In the coming weeks, you’ll be seeing some changes to my website. I am letting go of the more “daily life/diary” feel and finding new ways to focus my blog.
Michael Hyatt said that our website is like our “home base”. When people visit, they should be able to tell who you are and what you do. Your website should showcase your work, engage visitors, and bring them back for more!
My website has lacked focus, pretty much since I started it in June 2011, but I’m bringing it around. So, don’t be worried if you pop over and see things changing. I’m pretty exstatic about the new things to come. In fact, I’ll be making a pretty exciting announcement on Friday, so be sure to come back for more!
What changes have you undergone recently where God has really revealed Himself to you?
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Jill Kemerer
September 26, 2012 at 10:26 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can relate, Ralene. I’ve been so discouraged all year, and with our hectic move and all the other hoopla, I know exactly what you’re saying.
I, too, came away with a renewed passion for writing, but not because of anything that happened at conference. God alone inspired my writing. I was thrilled to meet you and all the other wonderful people, but at the end of the day, I realized God’s purpose for me. I was getting very confused, and now I’m not. I know I’m supposed to write. So I will!
Ralene
September 26, 2012 at 12:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh, it was definitely a God thing. It’s so crazy how we allow the “world” to take control of our priorities. It leaves us lost, confused, and just…drained. So glad that we heard the Spirits call as God brought us back to His path for us.
Julie Jarnagin
September 26, 2012 at 10:28 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It was great meeting you, Ralene!
Ralene
September 26, 2012 at 12:33 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, Julie, it was a pleasure! I had so much fun meeting new people this year.
Kristen Stieffel
September 26, 2012 at 3:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ralene, it was great getting to know you. I’m so glad you left the conference refreshed and inspired.
In the last year, with my husband unemployed (he was a space shuttle engineer) and me launching into freelance editing full-time, I’ve pretty consistently felt God’s calming presence, reassuring me that everything will be OK.
Even when I went into my editor pitch appointments, I wasn’t nervous because I know he’s in control. At my before my second appointment, I misplaced both my one-sheets and my sample pages, but I just went in with my head up, knowing I could pitch without those things. It’s almost as if he removed the crutches to make me stand on my own. And I got asked for chapters, so it worked!
The greatest way God has showed up in my writing life is just in making it possible for me to go to the conference. I had saved up the registration fee since last year, but I had to put airfare and hotel on the credit card and trust God to pay the bill. Two weeks before the conference, I got an editing job that more than covers the cost of the conference. God does indeed provide, but he provides out of our gifting.
I’m glad you’re pursuing an editing career, Ralene. It’s a good way to use your gifts. I hope you’ll find it as fulfilling as I have. Will I see you in Kathy Ide’s freelancing class next month?
Ralene
September 26, 2012 at 4:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Kristen, it was so awesome to get to spend time with you. I love making new friends!
I am learning more and more about trusting God–completely. Although we have a lot of uncertainty in our future right now, I know God will sustain us, guide us, and has our best interests at heart. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. lol… No, no, I know it’s true.
I am going to try to to take her class. I just don’t know if I can do it, financially, although I really NEED it. Her Oct. class is all about starting out which is where I am.