A New Direction

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Have you ever thought you were on a path, had a plan and direction, only to discover God had a totally different direction and new plan in mind? I know, silly question.

Direction changes in life are natural. Sometimes they are planned, happy, changes, while other times direction change, not of our own making, can be stressful and make us fearful of the future.

I think I’m more accustom to direction change than most. I’ve moved across the country three times. Once while married with three children, once as a single Mother and once with just me and my dog. I’ve been employed in several very different fields and self employed for over 17 years with change galore in the insurance industry. Certain changes have given me the feeling of adventure, while others have been a bit more challenging and stressful.

I’ve been a writer for most of my adult life and even during my teenage years. I’ve always loved the written word. It’s one of many ways to express oneself. Words, when spoken or written well, have the ability to bring great joy to the reader.

About four years ago, I felt the Lord calling me to begin sharing what I write with others. Until then, I was content to simply write my thoughts and keep them to myself. Very few people had seen anything I had written. The website, In His Embrace, was born out of that calling.

Though I have not had the time to write as often as I’d like, I have a plethora of notes and material to write myself silly should the opportunity present itself. Thankfully, God chose to give this girl a healthy dose of patience and ability to wait on His timing. His plan is always best regardless of the time involved.

Another new direction for yours truly…

My husband and his childhood friend, Jeff, were song writers when they were in their late teens and early 20’s. They were quite good and very serious about it, even to the extent of recording many of their songs on cassette tape in hopes of selling them. But, as life happens, they both got busy as adults and lost sight of each other and their song writing ambitions.

Fast forward about 30 years.

Last Fall, my husband received a call from Jeff out of the blue. Other than the long catching up chats, you’d never know they had not seen or spoken to one another in such a long time. It’s been fun watching my husband relive old memories with his friend. It’s as if they’ve picked up where they left off in their early 20s. Love it!

As they began the catching up process, talking about the old days of writing songs together, they started to get the writing bug again.

Enter God’s new direction for me…

A few months ago, my husband asked me to help him with a few lyrics on one of their new songs. This, my friends, is why I have been so spotty in writing for you. What started out as just helping with a line or two, has become a full scale song writing operation.

These guys have kept me so busy with their writing projects that I haven’t had much time for my own. Sigh.

At first, I was a little resentful of the time my husband was expecting of me in helping with, and listening to, the songs. I can hear each new song in my sleep! I kid you not!

During my prayer time one morning, I had to confess some misgivings I was experiencing. I was trying so hard not to disappoint my husband, or dash his hopes of really becoming a genuine song writer, but becoming a little resentful at the same time. After all, I had so many writing projects on hold already, how was I going to do more?

One of the many lessons the Lord is teaching me, in this season of my life, is to stop expecting what He had me doing in the past is also what He wants of me in the future. But instead, to look at my experiences from the past as stepping stones to the future.

In the book of Esther, Mordecai tells Esther that her position as Queen just may have been given to her “for such a time as this”. This is one of my favorite quotes from the bible. One never knows when their “such a time as this” moment will occur.

Side note…. If you haven’t read the book of Esther, do yourself a favor and do so. I promise, you wont be sorry.

Though I have not a clue what God is up to, I do know my obedience in following His lead is imperative. It always is. If I truly believe His plan is always best, then second guessing Him is never a good idea.

Was God preparing me as a writer all these years to also become a song writer? Only time will tell. But for now, He has given me a sense of peace about this new direction, which is why I’m sharing it with you.

This song,  Fight The Good Fight, is one of four we have had professionally recorded by studio musicians and vocalists in Nashville. All four are on Godtube.com. I hope you like it. I think it’s our best yet.

How about you? Have you had or are you in a “such a time as this” moment with God? Do you find yourself heading in a new direction? If it’s something you’re comfortable sharing, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about it!

Praying God’s best for you always!

In His embrace,

Toni

5 comments to A New Direction

  • Billie Kenney  says:

    Toni!!! I have so missed you and your inspiring words of late! Just figured that you have been super busy with the new health insurance mandates a la Obama and going crazy attending to the many needs of your clients. So glad to hear what you have been up to.

    This new direction sounds so exciting. Good luck to you and to the guys with their music.

    Looking forward to hearing more inspiring thoughts from you.

    Hugs,

    Billie

    • Toni  says:

      Hi Billie,

      I so appreciate your encouragement! It truly means more than you know!
      I’ll make sure I send you the links to our other songs.

      God bless you Billie!

  • Billie Kenney  says:

    I just watched the clip and listened to the beautiful song. Excellent!! I am looking forward to many more!

    Billie

  • Trease  says:

    Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your thoughts. I love what you’ve done with your web page. Praying for a continued direction from our Father. Love you!

    • Toni  says:

      Thank you Trease for your friendship and prayers.

      Praying God’s best for you always!

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