I’ve been trying to write “the book” for a long time now. I’ve trashed it twice. The first time I got about half way through and hated it. Bye-bye book. The second time I got a little further along and submitted a portion for review by professionals. Start again. So a few weeks ago I had to do some soul searching.
Should I continue with this story that I feel God called me to write or should I quit writing altogether? If I keep writing and finish the book, only to have it be a giant NOTHING, will I have wasted all the resources, time and money, that I put into it? Because really, if this is a huge waste I’d rather give up right now and pursue some purpose that provides more immediate satisfaction - like finishing up that little mirror project I have in mind for my bedroom.
I was more discouraged and closer to throwing it all away than I’d ever been before when I prayed, “God, is this really “the thing” you want me to do?”
When I asked that question, and thought about what my calling apart from writing might be, I was at a loss.
Again I prayed, “God, I don’t want to waste my limited time here on earth. Please show me the answer.”
Should I stay or should I go? - Do you remember that silly jingle?
That very day, in my scheduled Bible reading, God answered my heart cry. Two times he answered.
- From Jeremiah 1 - God knew me before He formed me and He gave me the desire to speak His words to all. He has made me to speak with authority, words that will destroy and uproot, and then plant anew. Now I know this was a word relating to Jeremiah but it strongly resonated with me - A re-builder or renovator, making Old Things New.
- From I Thessalonians 1 - The Thessalonians were applauded by Paul because they were people who took God’s word to heart and had joy even in the face of great trouble, modeling their faith to others as beacons of God’s light - All throughout this writing process we’ve been besieged and beset (to use a couple of archaic words that professionals dislike) with so many painful family situations that it made me question how I could be a light to others. But God. It is His light that shines, not mine.
That night I received a third answer.
3. A dream but not a dream, and a clear voice saying, “Get up at 4:30 and write.”
God???
If your dreams don't care you they're too small. Click To TweetThen one more confirmation. A fourth, because I’m a terrible self-doubter who needs as much affirmation as I can get!
4. I picked up the book, Chase the Lion, by Pastor Mark Batterson, and began to read. By the way, he personally gave me this book along with this card, about four months ago, but I didn’t start reading until now:
In the very first chapter Pastor Mark talks about God-given dreams and challenges us not to come to the end of our lives and regret that we’ve never pursued them. Oh my! I continued reading and I knew without a doubt that this book was indeed meant for me and that the timing was perfect.
Convicted, I prayed again. Please Lord,
Don't let me forfeit my dreams on the altar of fear. Click To Tweet
Don't let me give up on God-given passions. Click To Tweet
Stand between me and my circumstances as the MIGHTY VICTOR! Click To Tweet
Did I need any more confirmation to continue writing?”
What, you may ask, is the theme behind my book? In this book I want to share my experience, strength, and hope. How God released me from my shackles and set me free. How He delivered me from fear and shame. How He gave me a passion to share my hope with others so that they too can walk out their God-given purpose. All that, tied up in a work of fiction y’all - with maybe a dog or two thrown in for good measure.
Maybe I’ll reach a large number of people with this story, or maybe it will be only one (I think it will be at least a few more than that though since I write a blog and have a few faithful followers). But no matter how far the story reaches it will never be a “giant nothing” if God is in it. And I pray daily for God to give me the words because, though I am a fair writer, I’m not a great writer, but God says that with Him ALL things are possible.
So now what?
- I’ve been setting my alarm for 4:30 a.m. (at least five days per week) and I’ve been pressing in. I am a slow writer but I hope and pray that I’ll have a first draft done within six months. There, I’ve said it, and you can hold me to it.
- I’m rethinking my blogging schedule because blogging takes a LOT of time. Especially since more than half my posts are picture and project driven.
- I’m praying about how to balance it all out. I won’t quit blogging completely because I would miss y’all too much (you are a huge part of the affirmations I need to push on) but there may be a slowing down and I know there is vacation/sabbatical coming.
I’ll be back next week with a fun homey post on Tuesday, and on Friday I’ll be sharing the results of my recent survey (y’all rocked that survey), and maybe I’ll have more insight as to the future of this here ol’ blog.
Until then, you’ll find me here on my porch, chasing lions.
The size of your dream may be the most accurate measure of the size of your God. Click To TweetBlessings dear friend,
The Tweets in this post were either inspired by or came directly from this book. Click on the picture above if you’re interested in ordering a copy for yourself or another dreamer.
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
SundaysAtHome, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired, InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStory, What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends
Tuesday:
TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CedarHillFarmhouse, TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles, Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday, WriterWednesday
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, Thought Provoking Thursday, SincerelyPaulas, ThoughtfulThursday, Tune-inThursday
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration, Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus FreshMarketFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet
Chase those lions, girlfriend. Chase ’em hard. xo
I’m chasing Susan and I know you are as well!
Lisa Young says
Love this, Patty!
Ahhh, thank you Lisa. We can all use a little encouragement to chase those dreams can’t we? Mark Batterson is the best!
Go forth and write My Friend. Can’t wait to read it. Your post re God’s answering and confirming and reconfirming is very inspirational. Thankful that we serve the I AM, THAT I AM and that He gets so personal with us!! Blessings,,,,
Those personal moments - though often few and far between - are what keep me going. I love having a journal so I can look back on them and remember His faithfulness. Thanks Rhonda.
Love it! Chase ’em girl!
We’ll chase them together my friend. God has big things in store for us!
Mark Batterson… One of my very favorite authors!!!! Have many of his books….. excited for you and can’t wait to see what God has in store!!!!!
This was the first book of his I’ve ever read. Now I must go back and read In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. He has a new one coming out as well. So inspiring!
Dorene says
Loved this story about the affirmations. I’ve been struggling a bit and wondering if some of the dreams and goals that I secretly keep inside me are really God’s will for me at this stage in my life. Your post encouraged me to be still, reflect and listen for the signs that come. Thanks for the inspiration.
Chase those lions and I can’t wait to hear more about your writing journey and then to be able to read the final product.
Thank you Dorene. It can be hard to know if our dreams line up with God’s will sometimes. I felt like this book helped me discern that, in addition to the other confirmations I received. “At this stage in my life.” That phrase. That thought kept coming to me to. Especially when writing a book! All these young authors out there with multiple published works and I’m just starting at retirement age??? Then I met a man at a conference who was in his 90’s and he shared that he was on his third career (writing), which he didn’t begin until he reached his 70’s. So I think that our stage of life may not mean a thing to God. Go out and be like Abraham!
I cannot wait to see what God creates in you and through you as you devote this time to Him. You can count on one sale right here in PA. God has you, friend. He will go before you and hem you in from behind. Chase those lions! ❤️
Ahhh, thank you Gina. Your encouragement means the world to me. Lions, and tigers, and bears! I’m chasing all those bad boys 🙂
Your encouragement to write means the world to me Gina. I believe it!
This post has been very helpful to me, Patti, because I’m doing some soul-searching about the writing life as well. It’s so good to know that God gave you the green light.
I think we all go through those soul-searching times as writers Michele. This thing we do isn’t easy and I know that there are so many great writers (like you) that my writing doesn’t compare to. It isn’t about comparison though but obedience. I’m sure you’ll have your answers as you seek God.
Write on, dear Patti! So excited to read your book! I love the fact you are open and vulnerable with us in sharing your doubts about hearing from God on this matter. It’s so important to know what we are about to embark upon is either a God thing or a Good thing. Hey, and the age thing is nothing. God likes to use the middle age in quite a mighty way: Abraham, Moses. I’m right there with you. I never thought I would ever be a Pastor’s wife, but here I am at the age of 51 stepping out with my husband as the Lord has called him to start a church. Eeek. Thank you for sharing and for the encouragement you give! Hugs!!
Eeeek is right Kathryn! I’m excited for you and your husband and your call to start a new church, but also know what a huge step of faith this must be. I love it when God guides us into things we never would’ve imagined we’d be doing. I love that he gives us new things in our midlife years too. Keeping us young 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement on my lion chasing venture. I’m just thankful that it isn’t about the success of what God calls me to but it is ALL about the obedience to the call.
Blessings friend 🙂
This is so exciting. I’d urge you to continue. I believe that everyone has a story worth telling! xo
Thank you for the encouragement Jen. Obedience, obedience, obedience. Then leave the outcome to God.
Just remember God is always with us when we do things in his name, you chase those lions and get it done, then leave the rest to God. I will be praying.
You are absolutely correct Marlene. Thank you for praying. We all need that as we write what we feel called to write.
Needing a lot of affirmation…. (I’m chuckling!) I, too, am a self-doubter and need to sometimes be smacked in the face with it. LIKE 4 or 5 times! hahaha We can’t be the only 2 out there!!!! 🙂 I admire you….4:30am? Good grief! I have a huge fight with myself every night….I know I need to get to bed at TEN. I am a night owl (not by choice..I found out my cortisol levels are reversed…so it’s never been my fault) and I am wide awake at midnight and am dead at 7am when I NEED to get up. LOL Next month it will be SIX am! School starts and I hate getting up just to drive her to the bus stop up the street. But I do it, cuz that is what mom’s do! I’m usually dragging all day.
I want to be an early bird…..and see the sun rise and BE WIDE AWAKE! I will be blogging soon….don’t know HOW soon…but it is coming. Not that I know anything at all about it. LOL But it’s obvious it’s on God’s timetable for hubby and me, each with our own.
People have been saying to me for years “You should write a book.” ME??? What??? LOL I heard it again last week from a total stranger at the chiropractor’s office. I wasn’t even talking to him…I was talking to the doc’s wife (his gal Friday lol) If I could dictate it and someone could write it for me…maybe. hahaha. I think it’s in the cards. I cringe at the thought. I’m nowhere near ready. LOL When it’s time I will take Doug Addison’s course. He makes it simple and I have heard a few testimonies with PROOF it helped….people wrote books! So…one day!
So do what ya gotta do…we will be here as long as you will have us!!!! We love to be updated…even if it’s just a fast few lines!!! You are an inspiration. I have not been around since the beginning of your blogging career, but I can say I have seen your growth in the short time I have been here! We can all grow. We just have to stop and LISTEN to what God is saying to us. And act on it!
I’ve been thinking/pondering recently about dreams! (And visions) I was so glad to read your post. I have some memory lapse, so lately I’ve been asking God about dreams, what dreams have I had in the past that are forgotten or does God have a new dream/vision for me for now or for the future. I would love to read Chase the Lion or any other book you or our reader/blogger friends may suggest. I am now retired and there is no reason for me to excuse away going after a dream or vision.
I am currently reading Chase the Lion and am loving it. But then, I have been blessed in reading each one of Mark Batterson’s books. Patricia, may you not give up on your dream as it is from Him - even if it is for the one! Blessings!
Great article Patti! I’m right there with you on the very same journey. Where would we be without God to guide us? Love that you’re getting up at 4:30 a.m. to write - I’m just a half hour ahead of you here!
I think it is so great that we have the Internet and the ability to encourage each other on our writing journeys. It makes it much less lonely. Thank you and blessings to you as you chase lions too.
Patti,
I’m so excited for you! I’m praying you forward and cheering you on at that very very VERY early hour!
Many blessings and smiles,
Lori
Haha! Thank you Lori. It IS very early indeed but it seems to be a very productive time for me. Blessings back at ya’
Been there! Only not with a book; just should I keep blogging. And then I read someone else who said she wrote for an audience of One. I adopted that as my own writing motto, because I feel God wants me to write. And I trust, when He wants me to stop, He’ll let me know.
Writing for an audience of one. I love that! That is all that really matters in the end. Thanks for commenting Debbie.
Oliver Terry says
Its beautiful! Hugs,
Thanks Oliver 🙂
Oh Patti, I’m praying for you! Praying God’s will be done in this book, His words coming flowing through your heart and soul onto each page, and all will bring glory and honor to HIM!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Thank you for your beautiful words of blessings Cindy. I appreciate it SO much. Blessings back to you.
Diana says
All I can say is GO FOR IT! I believe your chase will be filled with God’s Glory and Greatness! \o/ Blessings to you, Patti!
Visiting you via Barbie’s #glimpsesofhisbeauty linkup… I’m in the #23 spot. 🙂
Thank you sweet Diana. I’m looking forward to the GLORY part especially. His, not mine.
Ah Patti, you truly must write your book. In this crazy world, we need to hear from every precious voice out there who has words of strength and encouragement for us. And, I know you do!
Thank you for the encouragement Sandra. It is appreciated more than you know.
May God bless you as you press into this dream, Patti! I don’t think I’d write very well at 4:30am. ha. But you go! I’ve read a few Mark Batterson’s books as well and loved them all.
Mark Batterson is great. What a motivator! Thank you for the blessings Lisa. I appreciate it, and you, so much.
Julia says
I have the same book waiting for me to read and a similar dream - thank you for the encouragement!
That’s exciting Julia. Read that book!!! It has been a life changer for me 🙂
Debby says
Hi Patti. This is my first time here and I’m here because Susan told me I needed to stop in. Seems a few of us are facing lions or chasing them or not quite sure what we’re chasing and we’re blogging about it TODAY! I’m glad I followed Susan’s recommendation. I’m thanking God for you pressing in to follow him and for him renewing your vision. And, for the encouragement to others you’re sharing through your personal mission.
Welcome Debby! I’m so happy Susan sent you over to hear my chasing lions story. It is such an encouraging book and I hope you’ll read it and be inspired to chase after your God-given dream. We don’t want to get to the end of our lives saying, “if only I’d . . .” Blessings to you in your endeavors and I do hope you’ll come back and visit me again soon.
P.S. Susan is a sweetie <3
Hi Patti,
All of your confirmations made me laugh and I’m so glad you decided to carry on with the book project! Getting up at 4:30 to write? You are amazing!! I can only imagine that the writing journey will bring you insight and perspective you never imagined and God will be enlightening you as you write your words! xoxo
Lots of confirmations. It takes a lot of convincing from God to believe in myself sometimes! I’m not so amazing but God is and if He says 4:30 I’d better do what He says. LOL! Thank you dear Valerie.
I can relate to so much of what you’ve shared, Patti. I’ve been working on my marriage book for what seems like forever. My blog takes so much of my time and then there’s my coaching and church ministry too. Oh and did I mention, I’m trying to do more speaking with and without my hubby as well? Ha! Then other matters in my life suffer-like my house, for one. I feel overwhelmed and even with a blogging break, I am still tired and often feel like giving up. But your words remind me to keep pressing in to what I feel God has called me to as well. Keep on keeping on, girlfriend! You are touching more lives than you know and I will keep doing the same!
I can relate to everything you’ve said here Beth. There are so many things pulling at me that it really is hard to find the time to devote to writing I’d like to. I guess that’s why I got the message to get up at 4:30 a.m. I’m so thankful for a large pot of coffee. Keep on pushing through toward your own goals of writing and speaking Beth. If God has called you to this He will take care of the rest. Blessings friend.
Cynthia says
You are merely the vessel. Wake up at 4:30a until your eyes bleed. If you show up, surely He will show up. It is, after all, His urging you are honoring. It is His desire to lead someone. He only asks you to write. (Ha!) Be obedient and He WILL bless your obedience. He is pressing on you because He is in control. NOT you and it is His timetable. Loving Him gives you no other choice. You are the chosen one, He desires your voice in His message. Please Him. Listen carefully for His voice. Write that. It is exciting to communicate with Him. In this lifetime. In this way. Intimately. Feel the glory. Be of good cheer. Our Lord and Father has put His faith in you. He is molding you as well as the readers that will benefit from your communion with Him. The Father has already prepared you for this task. Walk humbly, but confidently. in the direction He leads. The Father desires to deepen your faith. He wants to develop your talent. Fear Not.
Wow! Thank you for these encouraging and motivating words Cynthia. I think you are speaking with a little Holy Spirit power there! I will press on to the calling and I believe God for the results. Blessings to you.
inspiredbyjune says
Good for you, Patit! Remember, our job is to be obedient to His call. God will take care of the rest. Blessings on your week and may God’s will be done regarding your book!
Yes June! Obedience is key, no matter the result. Thank you so much for leaving this encouragement.
mareedee2016 says
I can’t wait for you to chase the lion. I am anxious to hear how you will adjust your blogging. I too can’t see how I could ever write a book when I spend so much time writing on my blog. I am a super slow writer.
Blogging takes SO much time doesn’t it Maree? And I’m a super slow writer too. My biggest problem is going over what I write again and again, trying to perfect it. Even when I finally hit post it is never that! Getting up a couple of hours earlier is definitely helping me in the lion chase and I hope to take some week-long breaks for solid writing time over the next several months. Thank you for the encouragement!
sarahgirl3 says
I love God speaking to you and I always get lots from Mark Batterson’s books! Keep writing! 🙂
Thank you Sarah. Mark Batterson is GREAT! I wish I had the talent to motivate others that he does, but then, that is his God dream, not mine. Blessings!
CrystalStorms.me says
Praying for you, Patti, as you sit and write and pour out your heart. Praying also that you find a rhythm that allows you to chase your lions and live a life worth writing about. Sweet blessings!
That is most important Crystal. Balancing chasing lions with a life lived well. Thank you my friend.
God-given dreams are lions to be chased - even if it’s just to capture one soul or 10,000 for Christ! Keep Chasing!
Amen to that! Thank you 🙂