T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Changing Direction

WITH GOD'S LEADING

I spent a good part of yesterday in my Writer's Cottage enjoying time reading, researching, and even doing some writing. It was wonderful to escape from the to-do-lists, laundry, and pet hair for a few hours. A day off from school equals a day of writing and work at the cottage. These moments haven't been plentiful, actually, I think yesterday was the first time since school started that I was able to spend a substantial amount of time.

Upon my departure, I let off a fogger so Mr. Spider and family, taking up residence, understand whose cottage it is. Did I mention I'm allergic to spider bites, as one landed on my arm while writing, it was a comical scene. Thankfully no one else was around to witness my scream, spider toss, and jumping out of the chair. I don't typically freak out but that spider startled me and I let it know.

Anyway, I shared on Monday's podcast, that I've put my fiction book on hold for a time. I feel God calling me to write something different. While at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference in July, then at the Oswego Writing Institute in August, I felt God nudging me in one direction but I couldn't pinpoint where He was leading (Holy Spirit nudge #1). I believed it was this fictional story yet, as fun as this process is, I didn't feel like it was what God wants me to write yet I didn't know where to go with clarity so I kept writing the fiction because at least I was writing.

In September, a conversation stirred something in me (Holy Spirit nudge #2) and lead my thoughts, prayers, and writing mind in a different direction. I brushed it aside until last week when a third conversation (Holy Spirit nudge #3) opened my eyes during a time of quiet, mindful, reflective prayer. It was as if The Light came on within me.

I understood the first two nudges and the direction to move forward. The human within me second guessed the Holy Spirit's leading but thank goodness, my faith and quiet time helped to shed understanding, direction, and purpose to this new writing project. This past Saturday I didn't make it to my cottage but I banged out 1,745 words for this new project and spent time reading and researching on Sunday. Monday offered the opportunity for time to continue the work done at at home and some serious writing at the cottage.

It was because of my time spent in prayer and being open to hear from God that I recognized the direction He was leading. I made a mindful and conscious effort. I want to thank my Dad again for making my writer's cottage a reality, it is a HUGE blessing and inspiration!! Love you Dad!

What is God calling you to do?
​Have you slowed down long enough to listen?