January 01, 2015

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?

13 comments:

  1. What resonates most with me in your blog, Sandi, is how personal each of the reflections are, and yet I can apply each one to my own writing as well. Your points give me good food for thought I as consider my writing in the coming year. Thanks for making me think!

    Happy New Year

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  2. Thank you, Bobbi, for your affirmation. Glad to know you were encouraged.

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  3. Like Bobbi, I found these reflections very personal. I especially love the thought that nothing is wasted with God...

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  4. Sandi--I never thought about writing "process notes." That's an interesting concept that I might have to try because I think it would help me evaluate and move forward. Thanks for your personal insights and challenge. May 2015 be a fruitful one for you, wherever God takes you.

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  5. Thank you, Tracy and Connie, for your responses. The concept that nothing is wasted in God's economy was presented by a disabled speaker at our church. And Connie, writing "process notes" has sometimes given me deep insight and reflection on my writing journey. Some notes have even become articles themselves!

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  6. Sandi--can you give me some tips on how you go about your "process notes"? Do you follow a set list? I am definitely intrigued.

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  7. Hi, Connie, I've pulled out examples from my "process notes" documents and will send you a separate e-mail.

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  8. Oh I love those encouraging words about how nothing is wasted in God's economy. So very true. If he ordained it, He will bless it. Thanks, too, for making me think, Sandi.

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  9. Hi Sandi,
    I'd appreciate some of your "process notes" ideas as well. I have also chosen Trust as one of my 2015 themes. Thanks for your practical ideas.

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  10. Glynis, your words encouraged me when you said that if God ordained it, he will bless it. You, too, made me think.

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  11. Jocelyn, the notes are on their way to you!

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  12. What a beautiful year of following His leading and learning lessons from his Word. God bless your Trusting Year, Sandi!

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  13. Thanks, Ramona, for your encouragement! God bless you in your coming year!

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