Monday, June 23, 2008

She Sleeps, She Savors, She Submits

Upon returning yesterday from She Speaks, I had a myriad of things on my mental agenda. First on the list was sleeping. Exhaustion had set in; spiritually, mentally and physically. I did what any other competent woman would have done. I changed into comfortable clothes, grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch.

A couple hours later emerged a fresh mind and an eager spirit. I fervently plunged into the wealth of information I received from the wonderful weekend writer's conference. Feelings of gratefulness washed over me as I began to realize the fullness of the blessings I had been given.

In the past, I've always found myself fearful about contacting publishers and writing query letters. Fears of rejection had frozen me into a lull. Moving towards success seemed an impossibility. Because of my fear, I wasn't prepared to submit my articles. Because of my fear, I wasn't willing to completely submit to God's plan for my writing. Now, to the credit of Proverbs 31 and She Speaks, I now have the knowledge and the confidence to do both.

I finally have a sense of direction for my writing. I know what to do with the words the Lord has given me. New friendships have been formed with kindred souls. Exciting possibilities loom on the horizon! I can see the light growing brighter already.

The Lord has increased my confidence ten fold. The intimidation has dwindled and boldness is developing in it's place. Rejection no longer frightens me. It's just part of the journey. I am aware of God's hand in my life and I know that He is going to use me for His glory.

Today is the beginning of my total submission to Him and His will for my writing. The words aren't mine. They originate in Him. He generously allows them to flow through me and onto the pages in order to grace the lives of His people.

Here I am, Lord. Send me. I submit.

Psalm 45:1 "My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." (AMP)

Colossians 4:17 "...See that you discharge [the duties of] the ministry and fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord." (AMP)


Praise you Father, for bringing so many eager women together this weekend to seek Your perfect will for their lives. I lift each and every one of them up to You today as we all begin the first day of the rest of our writing and speaking lives. Bless those who so willingly shared their knowledge with us. Thank You for your provision. Thank You for Your wisdom. Thank You for preparing the way for us. How wonderful that You have also now prepared our hearts and minds for Your service. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and Blessings,
Starr

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by. Great to meet you too! It definitely takes time to process all we learned but I am glad you feel you have some direction to start you on the course. I look forward to checking in and seeing where you take it.

Mindy said...

Starr-
Thanx for stopping by my blog!
Dana was such a fun, beautiful person! I really enjoyed myself. What a blessing! I enjoyed your post and will definately stop by to read some more!
Blessing to you as you continue to seek His will for your writing!
Mindy <><

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

What a beautiful post. I am so glad you had a life changing experience

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Hi Star!

Loved meeting you! I had a blast at She Speaks and I look forward to talking more with you as I continue visiting.

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Oh sweet friend, your words were music to my ears. I pray that the revelation and inspiration that the Lord has put on your heart continues to encourage you for many days to come.

Have you had a chance to look through your writer's market book yet?

I will help you with your blog in any way that you'd like. My knowledge is yours for the asking there, what little I know.

Let me know when is a good time to talk with you this week. I have kids in VBS and other various things..we can work something out. Thursday or Friday would be great for me.

I can't wait to hear who you have sent submission to!

Love, Joanne

p.s. you need to send me a copy of our picture together that we took in the hotel room. I keep talking about you to my husband and I want to show him who I am talking about.

krista said...

Starr,
Thanks for visiting my blog. She Speaks was truly an amazing experience. I look forward to reading your blog and connecting through the wonderful world of blogging!

Anonymous said...

I amso glad that you are rested!! I am too and I had such a great time with you and Dana!! I am just hanging out with God to see what is next!! Keep writing girlfriend!!! Love Ya! Tanya

Micca said...

Starr...love your name!

My heart warmed when I read that you now have the confidence you need to move forward in your calling because of She Speaks. Wow! That's exactly our desire!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog with your uplifting words!

I love seeing family photo's. You have a great looking family! Like you, I have two sons far apart in age as well. (10 years)

Sweet blessings,
Micca