"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
God has a purpose for everything we write. I began writing at age 12 years old. For many years, God's purpose in my life was emotional and spiritual healing. During those years He never once asked me to publish.
There is a time and a season for every aspect of our lives. The first 25 years of my "writing life" were clearly for my own well being. My first published work was about four years ago. Using a poem I had recently written, God escorted a new season of writing into my life, the season to be published.
This year God used my therapy dogs to motivate me. He often uses the areas of our lives most important to us, the things we are most passionate about. Because I am passionate about "dog therapy" and their part in the human healing process, I was asked to write an article for a small newspaper in rural Virginia. Since then the article has been reprinted with updates twice more in other places.
I recognize God has placed me in a new season and I am stepping into this season with boldness and confidence. I seek daily to use the gift God so graciously gave me.
In late October 2008, I looked out my bedroom window and captured a vision of beauty in the colorful fall season, the very season man said would not produce beautiful leaves because of the lack of rain. God has an unbelievable sense of time and humor; when we live in His season, "Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17)."
Seeking Him,
Andrea
Blessings and prayers,
Andrea
20 comments:
And I pray that God will help you discover more and more ways to use your talents from Him for His glory. May God protect you and give you the discernment in all things that you do and all things that come your way. May God guide you with His divine wisdom as you make the right choices and to help you choose the right paths to take.
"Nothing is too hard for Him" - Amen!!!
I thank God for your friendship, for being my prayer buddy, and a great sister! Hope you are way better today and not sick anymore. In Jesus' Name. Love and blessings.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 is my favorite Bible verse! I so believe it! I tried writing when my kids were younger and actually did have a poem published, but writing while parenting little ones seemed "out of season" for me. I was trying to break into children's books, but wasn't having any luck. So about 9 years passed before I began writing again. I finally felt God's nudge that it was time. Right now I'm just practicing by writing my blogs. I think now I want to write in a way to minister to other women. Between suffering from depression, panic attacks and then my miscarriage last year, I think I've finally found my niche.
I visited your friend Sharon's blog today. She is really suffering. I'll keep her in my prayers! I pray that you are feeling better today, too!
Blessings and Hugs, Leslie
Hi Andrea,
I am happy for you! It seems there are several of us who feel lead by God to write. Right now I spend my time writing on my blog and a story for my children. I don't expect to ever have anything published. But then again, who knows? God is in control of these things. I thank Him that we are free to write what is in our hearts and that we can bless others by it. The Lord be with you and guide you every step of the way. May He be glorified by all that you do and may His face shine upon you. I too, hope you are feeling better today. Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Sandi
Hi Andrea,
I love the Fall photo that you posted, Fall being one of the favorite seasons. It is so beautiful.
The way you write is so natural, so gentle... you have a gentle spirit, and it shows in your words.
Did you know that I am also a firm believer in God's timing and seasons? Welcome to this new season of your life.
I should read more about dog therapy. Dogs are a part of our family life, like you!
Blessings on your day!
I am so excited to watch you blossom into the beautiful, gifted creation God has made you:-)
Praying Psalm 103:3 over you. God bless sister. Love to you.
How exciting this is, Andrea. And that picture is beautiful.
I believe in animal therapy very much as well. I know my cat & hamster help me.
The only experience I have had with pet therapy is when I worked in a nursing home for 4 years.
There was a program there. There were birds, a dog, and 2 rabbits. The dog was by far the best therapy animal.
Some residents had left pets at home and after passing a test these pets were allowed to visit their beloved owner.
A great thing. Is the article available for reading? I'd like to read it if possible.
have a nice Thursday.
Nannette
I am blessed to know you as you make your journey into this new phase of life. As a fellow writer, life has taken an incredible turn that will allow me to begin my free lance writing career again from my own office at home. It is no coincidence that many are blogging/creating/publishing at this time in the body. Something is in the air! May you be blessed as you allow God to lead you!
Neat post! Sounds like your writing has progressed from personal therapy to a marketable commodity. I don't mean marketable just in the financial sense, but in the sense that what your write touches vital chords in people. I'd like to read that dog article if it is online and you can link it here. We are a dog family (we have two). We are actually a cat family, too, but don't have any right now.
Also, you have some beautiful nature pics here.
wb
Hey Andrea, I tagged you. Come on over to my place and see what you are supposed to do next.
Christy
Nice to be guided through a journey. Have a wonderful Thursday.
A vision of beauty...
You are beautifully talented.
Andrea, I just read your comment on Five Moms & A Blog and after laughing out loud, thought "What an awful thing to ask someone!"
The worst thing I ever did was asked a lady how old her granddaughter was and she said "She's my daughter." Didn't even tell me her age. I didn't ask again either.
I'm sorry --- but thanks for the great laugh.
Hey Andrea, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting. I enjoyed reading your posts. You are truly gifted with insight. Thanks for sharing it. Blessings, SusanD
I am so glad you are published beacause I cam certain many will benefit. God Bless!
Keep stepping forward in the seasons God has you in dear sister.
I wanted you to know that I visited Sharon and prayed for her.
Blessings and peace dear one. Love you.
Andrea,
What a beautiful gift you have....nice to see you step out in faith and God meet your every need.
Blessings to you!
Looking forward to reading the article.
I'll be gone tomorrow so I don't know if I'll post or read, but I'll be back.
Take care
Nannette
Dearest Andrea,
You are a beautiful person and a wonderfully talented writer! You always touch me deeply every time I visit you dear friend. I am so happy for you in this season in your life. God is doing some amazing things right now, but then again, He always does.
Keep blogging, keep writing and let Him steer you through it all.
I love you dear sister and thank you for your many prayers for my husband and myself. You are a prayer warrior and one that I love having at my side.
P.S. I stopped by Sharon's site as well and I am still praying for her.
Love, Blessings, Peace & Many Hugs,
Alleluiabelle
Like your song by Cat Stevens say, "Don't be shy.." how timely.. ;)
Your writings are a blessing to help others, just as you are a blessing to all who are touched by your love.
~Silver
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