Tag Archive for: daffodil

Publishing and Waiting …

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Even though circumstances do not seem to be going right, fair—always remember God still steers the boat. Relationships fail, money’s tight, child spills his milk, toilet overflows, ideal college seems elusive, death separates, divorce/abuse divides—though your dream lingers, “wait for it, it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Spring is springing-daffodils pop thru green grass

Why does publishing a book take so long, be painful, cost more in time and money than planned? This is not entirely the path I’d envisioned. There is a reason for all of this. You knew from Day #1. Maybe someday I will discover and be enlightened, but for now my duty is to abide. I see a smidgeon of light. Just like the snow’s melted around my daffodils. Brain tumor surgery allowed, growth, personal closeness gained. Book to be born! “Wait for it, though it tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

I hear Your message! Continue to do the work of proofing, editing, and all those required details. Whatever you may be waiting or longing for, know the end result will be worth it all. Trust and obey for there is no other way. Wait and do the appointed work … in His abiding, limitless strength.

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Galley proofs in!

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“Though is tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

A few days ago, I received my first galley proofs of my book and cover. Lauren, Publishing Services Associate, exclaimed “Congratulations!” True, I am very excited to be moved to the next phase. Yet, I do not want to miss any of the good parts in between. There is still much work to be done. Rushing not allowed here if I am to take Habakkuk 2:3 to heart.   Daffodils popping through snow

I do and do and do. Sometimes before I give proper credit to timing and waiting. When I go forth in my own strength and just do on my own, I miss much. I miss God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings in the end. I think I am doing the right thing by instigating hurried results, but am I really? God seems to be more visionary than practical like us mere mortal humans. Impatient. I am extremely impatient; thereby potentially missing out on His best. Missing “the fulfillment of the vision;” I wonder what that vision would have looked like had I taken the time and exercised patience during the wait mode? God must be disappointed when I do not implement enough faith to wait for Him to work out His best plan.

“We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision. At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it.

We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that “tarries” is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision,” thoughts from Oswald Chambers.

  • How about you; is it difficult for you to wait?
  • What are you waiting on now?
  • What plan could you devise to wait patiently?
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Rejoice!

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Daffodils

Daffodils

“The world seems sad mid winter’s gloom.

But all’s well when the jonquils bloom.”

This is so true. Winter (at least in the mid-west) can last forever. My spirits sag dramatically when the sun doesn’t shine for days. As soon as I glimpse the first crocus or yellow daffodil, hope springs forth!

Jonquil stands for the word “desire.” Desire for new beginnings, fresh starts, and warm temperatures reign paramount. Whether it be a do-over with a sour relationship or a jump start to a neglected project such as organizing my office space — nothing is impossible if taken one baby step at a time.

Dear God, thank you for creating seasons, newly budded plants and trees. They remind me that you never give up on your children and continue to love unconditionally. Thank you for the many blessings, both seen and unseen, that you’ve given me, my family and friends.

Are you feeling blue and downcast today? You are not alone. Can you focus on one positive thing that happened in the last 24 hours and thank God for this?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)