On Writing, Serving, and Waiting upon the Lord

January 26, 2010

As I write this, I know that many of you may be wondering if I will EVER release the next two books. Honestly, I wonder about that myself some days. It seems like our lives get busier with each passing day, and Derek and I, who began this journey as simply ‘writers’, have become joyfully involved in a vast ministry that stretches over the globe, thanks to the internet.  We thank God for the increase in our ‘field’, but the increase brings with it a different kind of burden: determining which ‘task’ must take precedence on any given day.

For the past three years, I have struggled to complete “Doctrines of Demons”, even going so far as to publish ‘hopeful’ release dates. The original manuscript was begun almost as soon as “Signs and Wonders” was completed, but the book simply refuses to ‘take full form’. The manuscript has been lost twice due to computer crashes, and the original plot has undergone three major revisions, each time moving the conclusion to a new point. I’ve prayed about it, cried about it, worried about it, and gnashed my writer’s teeth about it, but the book is still weeks, perhaps even months away from any final form. Yes, it contains 300+ pages of action and character development, but it still lacks ‘something’ that I’ve yet to discern. “Powers and Principalities” (the final installment of The Laodicea Chronicles, which was a planned 4-part series) is partially written, based upon the current version of “Doctrines of Demons”, and as such languishes like an orphan child.

In short, at this time, I am waiting upon the Lord for His guidance. No, it isn’t writer’s block–in fact, it is the opposite. I long to write,and plots and scenes swirl inside my mind, begging to be typed; but most days, other matters weigh far more heavily on my spirit, and I find myself directed toward discerning spiritual matters that lie behind headlines. While this serves me well when co-producing PID Radio with Derek, it is not advancing the books. In that, I fear I have failed those of you who have so faithfully waited for the next publication(s).

And yet I must wait. My conversations with the Lord about writing almost always lead me to the realization that writing is not the primary focus of our ministry–it was merely the catalyst. Whenever I receive your kind emails asking about publication dates, I quite honestly weep, for I do feel that I’ve let you down. Each time though, the Lord and my husband remind me that our mission is to point to Christ, resurrected and returning, and that books with my name on them are not to be the main focus–EVER. Finally, this truth has taken root in my heart, I finally feel ‘free’ to allow God’s timetable take control. Christ’s burden is indeed light, when we let Him determine the weight.

In the past, I’ve taken a number of ‘respites’ that I refer to as Cherith’s Brook retreats, when I avoid the internet entirely; and each time I’ve returned refreshed and ready to work. The Lord is directing me toward another of these, but He has promised me that—if I will but follow His leading each day along His path, that He will again guide me to write. I pray that this will include finishing the fiction, but He has also promised me that I will soon be writing non-fiction. What that will be, I do not yet know.

In short, I beg your further indulgence, prayers, and understanding as I strive to follow Christ where He leads. As I enter this new phase of service to our King, I want only to lift Him up, for the time is short. That message is CLEAR–and I hear it daily.

Derek and I will be concentrating on our move to our new home in Shelbyville (a wonderful rental provided in a miraculous way by our Savior’s kindness), and our days will be consumed with packing, etc. Spring is around the corner, and it is traditionally a time of renewal, and as such it is fitting to commence the next phase at the time of Christ’s resurrection.

So, for those who wonder when the next book(s) will be published–I cannot predict it,nor will I, though I pray that it will be soon. Christ is coming very soon, dear friends. He stands ready to receive those who call upon His name as Savior! Are you ready? Keep your lamps trimmed and ready, sisters and brothers. Our redemption draweth nigh!

For now, I am conducting research into several topics, and I am immersed in it. Perhaps this research will culminate in the non-fiction writing mentioned earlier. I find this research refreshing and invigorating for my curious mind, although it is often spiritually disturbing, for it takes me into dark recesses of men’s souls. God created me with this curious mind for His purposes, and I thank Him for it. I will continue to answer email as often as I can, but my correspondence may be delayed and sporadic, so I beg your indulgence. Getting though to this point of spiritual reconciliation to God’s will has taken me weeks of wailing and crying out, wretched dreams, and massive headaches and other physical ailments. Only now, as I write this, is my body finally relaxing.

I began this entry with the intent to briefly explain our plans to move to the new house, but it has become so much more. The Lord’s gentle leading is so clear now. I’ve railed against it for far too long. If this entry appears disjointed, it is only my own  inadequacy to convey the great peace that is now within my heart.

I would be remiss if I did not thank all those who have joined with us at PID News to keep the content fresh. Your companionship is beyond measure! And to those who join with us in prayer, Derek and I humbly ask that the Lord grant you answers for your own needs according to His magnificent riches and plans. And to the faithful who sacrificially give financially, thank you for each and every dime. We pray that the Lord will return your gifts back to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over!

I leave you with this wonderful promise from Psalm 37: 3-7a

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…

It’s time for me to be still for a little while. In the meantime, we’ll continue to produce PID Radio as God directs us. The writing will resume on His schedule, not my own. May He bring you each and every one to your own place of ‘stillness’, and may His sweet voice ring clearly in your hearts as the Lord prepares the Bride for the return of Her Bridegroom.

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
	Psa 37:19		They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
	Psa 37:20		But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

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