Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Guest Blog with Colleen Reece Day Two

“Finding the Way,”

One of my greatest concerns when God called me off my government job into writing for Him was, “Lord, to whom can I witness, other than through my writing? I’ll be spending most of my time in my office working. Who can I encourage? Who can I help?”

I’m sure God smiled. Again. The first thing He did was open a door I didn’t know existed for me: teaching writing classes. My brother persuaded me to contact the local community college, even though I didn’t have a degree. “They use instructors who have expertise in their fields for the Continuing Education program,” he said. “One of the women at church works at the college. Ask her who you should contact.”

Her answer? “Me. My boss is head of Continuing Education.”

A few days later I was hired for an evening class and an afternoon class, wondering why I’d allowed my brother to talk me into it. I’d never even been to a writing class—and was so scared on my way to the first session I thought I’d be sick! After a mighty prayer, God settled me down. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Since then I’ve taught hundreds of classes, spoken at a multitude of conferences, and discovered that as long as I talk about writing or what God has done for me (preferably both) all is well.

Rewards? Oh, yes. A few years ago an award-winning children’s author came to me at a conference. “I have to tell you,” she said in a choked voice. “You changed my life. Literally.” I learned that years earlier, believing God had called her to write for Him, she’d gone to a Christian writers’ conference. She took a manuscript that represented blood, sweat, and tears. The editor for whom it was intended turned it down. Dreams shattered, she started to leave, but ran into one of the conference leaders.

“Go to Colleen Reece’s class,” the leader advised. “She’s teaching how to get started. She knows. She’s a full-time Christian author but it’s said that she freely confesses she could insulate her house with rejection slips!”

The discouraged writer came. She listened to the things God had put in my heart to encourage others. She learned one rejection didn’t mean all was lost. She left the conference determined not to give up. She didn’t, and is only one of many whose lives God has allowed me to influence. I rejoice when I see former students and those I’ve mentored go on to reach thousands, perhaps millions of readers that I never can.

Romance at Rainbow’s End, final novel in my trilogy, will be out in early 2011. The hero must decide whether God is telling him (as He told Moses—and me) that he’s “stayed long enough on this mountain” and if it’s time to leave all and follow.

Joshua’s decision will affect countless lives.

Colleen's question to each of us: If God is calling you to write, what is stopping you? Lack of time? If you write only one page per day, five days a week, by this time next year you will have completed a 260-page book. What’s more important than answering God’s call in your life?
OR
Has God ever opened a door you never expected--like he did with Colleen and teaching? Maybe even one you never thought you wanted.

8 comments:

  1. Great post - Thank you Colleen! ~ The Lord certainly "surprised" me a few years ago, as He closed the door on my teaching career. I taught for 21 years in our public school system and truly LOVED my job (the last few years I taught Kindergarten-my very favorite grade!!). But my deteriorating spine and all my other back issues had become so bad that the pain was at times unbearable. So, my doctor recommended that I take an "early disability retirement" - something I'd never dreamed I would have to do. But, I realized that the Lord was opening the door for me to pursue writing full-time (I've always loved to read and write--even as a young child). So now I'm striving to be faithful to what He has called me to do, and although I do miss teaching those precious little children, I have to admit I LOVE writing stories! Blessings, Patti Jo :)

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  2. I dreamed of being a writer but never really thought it would happen. I followed God's calling into teaching college. I was able to meet my favorite author, Gilbert Morris, and through his encouragement, God reawakened my childhood dream. Gilbert asked me to write a series with him and now I am writing more and more with my new partner, Diane Ashley. On top of that, I am still able to teach my "kiddies" too. God is so good!

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  3. Right now I'm in the midst of teacher preparation--writing lesson plans all day leaves me with no time to write what I'd like to (not that I don't like writing lesson plans :) But I know the day is going to come when I can devote more of myself to my writing. Even if I never get published, I have far too many stories and characters floating around in my head who need to have their stories told--even if I'm the only one who ever reads them!

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  4. What wonderful, encouraging stories you three have shared. Isn't our God good? I love that He is full of surprises--good surprises--for each of us. Writing fiction was a huge door He opened for me. I thought to make a difference and impact people for Him, I'd have to write articles though fiction was my first love. He nearly dragged me thru the door because I didn't think I could minister to people by writing love stories. How wrong I was!

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  5. God has sure taken me on some journeys that, if I had known at the beginning the fire I was going to have to walk through, I might have tried to avoid. But now, looking back, I wouldn't change anything. He really does know best. :D

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  6. Wonderful, Colleen, as always! And how have you been, dear lady! It's been so long since I've seen you...praying life is treating you and yours gently! What a treat this blog is, so thanks for giving us all a chance to get to know you better, and keep up with what's going on in your world!
    Blessings to you,
    Loree

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  7. Wonderful story, Colleen! Way back that first year Heartsong book club commenced, the editor sent me a comment you made about my first ever published book, the inspirational romance, Search For Tomorrow. You could have had no idea how much I have cherished your kind words and how much I was encouraged that particular day the letter arrived - long before the days of email and blogs! God certainly has given you a heart to encourage us and I do thank you once again for letting Him use you!.

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  8. Tess YoungApril 16, 2013

    Hello There,
    I just wanted to see if you were currently interested in additional guest bloggers for your blog site.
    I see that you've accepted some guest posters in the past - are there any specific guidelines you need me to follow while making submissions?
    If you're open to submissions, whom would I need to send them to?
    I'm eager to send some contributions to your blog and think that I can cover some interesting topics.
    Thanks for your time,
    Tess

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