Monday, January 6, 2014

Move Forward

At the beginning of each year, Christians like to seek the Lord for direction. In 2013, my words were, "hold steady." How I've needed those words! Many wonderful experiences awaited me: an agent, a book contract, release of The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear, a full-time position, and an introduction to new social media sites.

I've been asking the Lord what words would be appropriate for 2014. In November 2013, I read a blog post by my friend, Maria I. Morgan, an excellent devotional writer. Two words jumped out at me:  Move forward.

The first year as a published author is a lot like the first year of marriage. There are many adjustments and "firsts" along the way. Now that I've had two novels published and gone through the craziness of book launches, I'm ready to press on to new challenges.

Some of my writing goals for 2014:

1.  Finish the third book in the trilogy and see it published.
2.  Sharpen my writing skills.
3.  Expand my platform.

Personal goals for 2014:

1.  Develop a listening ear for God's direction.
2.  Nurture others in their relationship with the Lord.
3.  Get a handle on time management and achieve a better balance between family, work, and ministry.

Writers and Readers:  What are some of your goals for 2014? Do you have a word or words that define your direction? If so, please share.

Photo Credit: cobrasoft

8 comments:

Jeanette Levellie said...

Hi, Suze. Happy New Year! I like your goals and words for 2014.

I asked the Lord for one word for this year and He gave me "courage." With my mom moving here from California, there are bound to be many changes for which we'll all need courage!

My goals are many and varied, but one of them is to not get my feelings hurt so easily--to forgive quickly--even myself!

Hugs,
Jen

quietspirit said...

Susan: One of my goals is to definately find a market for my writing. Another is to study the Old Testament prophets.

Karen Lange said...

"Move forward" - I like that! I also liked your words from last year, "hold steady". I think of them often, and have a mind to adopt them as my own this year. :)

Blessings,
Karen

Ruth Schiffmann said...

There was a lot of "holding steady" in 2013 for me as well. It was an exercise in patience and trust. In this age of busyness, I think most of us are more comfortable with "move forward." I know I am. But I know both are important parts of the journey.

Anonymous said...

Wow Susan! I am speechless, at the moment, due to the fact that while reading your blog, it felt as though I were reading my own feelings! Thank you for sharing and I thank God that he led me to you through Pinterest and your Blog! I admire you already and feel that I can learn a great deal from you. So, even though I've only, just today, clicked to follow your boards and read only one of your blogs, I am feeling that you are somewhat of a virtual Mentor that The Lord has brought to me! God Bless you! Praise God! I'm pretty sure you won't mind, but I just need to ask if I can include you in my experience today for my very first blog post? I have been putting off starting a Blog for many different reasons, however, I feel compelled to just "move forward" with it now! : D have a great day, best wishes ~Ann Sharyn~

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen - Thanks! I know you're going to do great with all of your goals.

Hi Quiet Spirit - You might want to check out The Christian Writers Market Guide. Jerry B. Jenkins owns it now.

Hi Karen - Maybe I should keep both sets. I'm having plenty of opportunities to use them. :)

Hi Ruth - I've already had one painful lesson this year. Moving forward doesn't mean seizing everything that comes down the pike.

Hi Ann - Your kind words are humbling to say the least. If you want to message me, there's a contact form on this blog. I'm also on Facebook.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sandi said...

I think this is a year of new things.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandi -

Yes, in more ways than one.

Blessings,
Susan