Looking Back, Looking Forward by Sandi Somers

Prompt: January is named for the Roman god Janus who had two faces, one looking back and one looking forward. As you look back to your writing journey of 2014, what were the most important discoveries? What did God teach you? How has this encouraged you as you make your goals for this year?

Paths Taken, Paths Not Taken

In preparation for this blog, I reviewed my “process notes” of 2014 (notes I write about my writing), reflected with God to discern themes, God’s grace and His faithfulness. I asked the Lord to show me the year from his perspective.

My writing roads took me on unexpected detours and side trips. Discoveries from these trips helped me focus on my goals for 2015.

• I had planned to participate in NaNoWriMo, but in November I went on a mission trip to Bolivia. My trip took unexpected turns that demanded extra time and energy, and I wrote very little at all that month.
  Discovery: Our minds plan our ways, but the Lord directs our steps (from Proverbs 16:9). I’ll try NaNoWriMo again in 2015.
• In 2012 while travelling to Israel with our church tour group, so many people were overwhelmed with all that Biblical and historical background that I began writing in-depth devotionals with study guides.
  But then at the end of 2013 other writing opportunities came my way, and I left the devotionals for a time.
  It was risky; would these be unfinished documents filling up my computer? When would I pick up my pen and rework them for publication?
  Recently I reviewed some of the articles and saw that I need to meditate more deeply on what God wants to say through each of those scriptural passages.
  Discovery: “Make me walk along the right paths, for I know how delightful they are” (Psalm 119:35). God knows when those devotionals will be ripe for publication.
• I have many drafts in my data base, too many to finish. However, these half-finished drafts became a treasure trove as I excised parts for other articles and devotionals I wrote for publication.
  Discovery:  Teach me your good paths (Psalm 119:64). Nothing Is Wasted in God’s Economy!
• While in 2014 I experimented with different genres, styles and time frames, the theme I’ve chosen for 2015 is Trust. Trust the path I’m walking on. Trust God with situations, circumstances, people, and impossibilities. Trust the Spirit’s empowerment.
  Discovery: “Ponder the path of your feet” (Proverbs 4:26).
• Prayer; As I enter this year, take all my plans. May what I write bring the greatest honour and glory to You.
  Discovery: “When we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his lovingkindness and his truth” (Proverbs 25:10 TLB).  

Now over to you. What were your discoveries of 2014 as you make your writing goals for 2015? How can you begin this year with renewed faith, hope and love?